Illustrated Guide to the Identification of Banana Varieties in the South Pacific - 1995
IDENTIFICATI0N OF VARIETIES
Identification of banana varieties is
difficult but is essential for choosing
the correct type for marketing and
for gaining understanding of pest
and disease relationships.
Identification is made much easier
once the observer has developed
mental pictures of the different types
of bananas. Photographs of
varieties are therefore of great
assistance and are particularly
useful for inexperienced
observers trying to identity a
variety. Even for experienced
observers, they can be a useful
additional aid, particularly where
large numbers of varieties are
being considered and for those
varieties not often seen.
This guide attempts to cover
most of the banana varieties
likely to be encountered in the
South Pacific region. With this
information, the ability to identity
illegally introduced clones or the
newer ones being evaluated for
resistance to black Sigatoka will
be enhanced.
Identifying varieties by deduction
is far easier than by induction.
That is to say, if the full range of
varieties in a locality is known,
for example by reference to
photographs, then a specimen
with unique morphological
features can be identified readily.
However, difficulties occur when
plants grown in an environment
markedly different from that to
which the observer is
accustomed are presented for
identification. Problems in
identification also arise when
the observer is exposed to a new
variety, and no bunches are
available for inspection.
To overcome these problems the
following steps are proposed.
First compare the variety to be
identified with the photographs.
Next, if further clarification is
needed, refer to Table 3 and
sequentially work through
pseudostem height,
distinguishing features, black
Sigatoka reaction and bunch
characteristics.
