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View Full Version : What should I plant?


Nicolas Naranja
12-08-2008, 10:31 PM
Ok,

So I am planting an acre of bananas, that will serve a commercial purpose as well as being the nursery for pups on the rest of the 10 acres. I have decided to plant some "mysore" and "nam wah" because there is already an established market, but I am also considering planting what I would call a grocery store variety (big yellow banana) that would have mass appeal.

I've kinda narrowed my selection down to either FHIA-1, FHIA-17, or FHIA-23. I have had issues with Cavendish types down here being extremely susceptible to cigar end rot and sigatoka, so they are not an option. I am also, leaning against FHIA-1 because while it does look similar to a "regular" banana, it doesn't taste like one. I'm leaning towards FHIA-17 or FHIA-23, but I'm just not sure which would be the better option/

So, if you were in my position, which of those 3 would you plant?

Gabe15
12-08-2008, 10:52 PM
How does 'Gros Michel' do down there? It is a great banana, kinda similar to Cavendish but better in my opinion if your concerned about taste/texture. The only FHIA I have had is 'Goldfinger', so I can't say how the others fair.

tophersmith
12-09-2008, 09:37 AM
Goldfinger and California Gold is a good place to start

Nicolas Naranja
12-09-2008, 09:44 AM
My understanding is that it doesn't handle the cool weather well. And while it is quite warm here most of the time, I am watching cavendishes in my back yard choke on their bunches.

lorax
12-09-2008, 10:43 AM
I'd also go for some of the small-fruited varieties; things that are marketed as "Baby" - like Nino etc.

Nicolas Naranja
12-09-2008, 11:16 AM
I just don't know how a variety like Nino would do with the diseases.

lorax
12-09-2008, 11:33 AM
Fairly resistant down here, but then again we grow mostly Orito which is super-resistant and being tinkered towards Sigatoka immunity.

tophersmith
12-09-2008, 11:45 AM
My understanding is that it doesn't handle the cool weather well. And while it is quite warm here most of the time, I am watching cavendishes in my back yard choke on their bunches.

Not California Gold

Bob
12-09-2008, 07:32 PM
How does 'Gros Michel' do down there? It is a great banana, kinda similar to Cavendish but better in my opinion if your concerned about taste/texture. The only FHIA I have had is 'Goldfinger', so I can't say how the others fair.

Know where any GM may be found? I'm still looking.

Nicholas I've heard the FHIA 23 were developed as a Gros Michel type substitute and may have that"old fashioned" taste. They don't have any in their lineage either. I haven't actually tasted any yet though but, I would be first in line to try if they were available here.