Distribution of anthocyanins in wild and cultivated banana varieties

Abstract

An examination of bract anthocyanins in 59 banana varieties separated them into five main chemotypes, based upon the presence/absence of methylated compounds and/or the ratio between delphinidin and cyanidin derivatives. The data suggest the occurrence of two centres of domestication for the acuminata cultivars in southeast Asia; the origins of some hybrid cultivars are also discussed. © 1988.