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Gabe15 · 02-08-2017, 01:01 AM

Some basic attempts were experimented with long ago by Norman Simmonds to investigate the relations among some different wild banana species. The results as I remember them were that it didn't cross well with anything except M. itinerans with which it is most closely allied. It did not cross well with wild type M. acuminata and is unlikely to cross well with edible cultivars as well.

Additionally there is some suggestion that the common M. basjoo in the horticultural trade is sterile, which wouldn't be at all surprising seeing as that it has been tissue cultured so extensively with no need to selectively maintain fertility. So if any crossing attempts were to be experimented with it would be prudent to start the parent plants from seed.

02-08-2017, 01:01 AM	#3 (permalink)
Gabe15 Moderator Gabe15's Photo Gallery Location: Oahu, Hawaii Find me on the map! Zone: 12 Name: Gabe Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 3,892 BananaBucks : 13,377,077 Feedback: 5 / 100% Said "Thanks" 1 Times Was Thanked 8,243 Times in 2,200 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 8 Times	Re: Musa Basjoo breeding? Some basic attempts were experimented with long ago by Norman Simmonds to investigate the relations among some different wild banana species. The results as I remember them were that it didn't cross well with anything except M. itinerans with which it is most closely allied. It did not cross well with wild type M. acuminata and is unlikely to cross well with edible cultivars as well. Additionally there is some suggestion that the common M. basjoo in the horticultural trade is sterile, which wouldn't be at all surprising seeing as that it has been tissue cultured so extensively with no need to selectively maintain fertility. So if any crossing attempts were to be experimented with it would be prudent to start the parent plants from seed. __________________ Growing bananas in Colorado, Washington, Hawaii since 2004. Commercial banana farmer, 200+ varieties.