Agronomic characterization and identification of banana genotypes resistant to Fusarium wilt race 1

Abstract

One of the main limiting factors in banana production is the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), the causal agent of Fusarium wilt. The objective of this work was to evaluate 23 diploid and eight tetraploid banana hybrids developed by Embrapa, for resistance to Fusarium wilt race 1 in an artificially infested area. Scores of external and internal symptoms were transformed into a severity index. Additionally, the genotypes were agronomically characterized using selection indices to identify superior genotypes. Based on a combined analysis of the selection indices, three improved diploids were selected for their resistance to Foc race 1 and characteristics of agronomic interest, such as short height, more than 100 fruits per bunch and early cycle FAO (2018). Two tetraploids hybrids were selected, includes one Prata type and another of the Pacovan type.