Is cold-hardiness related to genotype?
 

Just curious if there is any research on cold hardiness vs the spectrum of AA, AB, AAB, AAA, etc.

I found a reference to Broadley et al (2004) subtropical banana growers handbook, queensland dept of primary industries, but I don't have access to a copy to see what they say.

Thanks!
Keith

Re: Is cold-hardiness related to genotype?
 

As far as my knowledge goes, yes. Generally, bananas that have B genes are more cold hardy.

Re: Is cold-hardiness related to genotype?
 

I'm wondering how strong the correlation is; for example is an ABB the same as an AABB, or is the ABB more cold hardy as a result of the ratio of A-to-B? Or is it just a question of how many Bs are in the genotype?

Many thanks!

Re: Is cold-hardiness related to genotype?
 

Yes, e. g. Mysore is more hardy, might be ABB, it survived -2°C in Lucianópolis and flowered despite of the frost. Also the very HUGE superbanana from Embrapa survived well and one harvest was despite of the frost. It is AAAB or AABB. Also Saba and Musa balbisiana are relatively hardy, I know, but Saba I still not have in my chácara in Lucianópolis. But I also have Musa balbisiana at my pond in my special garden for rare wild banana species, and also my Brazilian friend Helton in his nursery Frutas Raras.

Generally are bananas hardier, when they are basjoo-, sikkimensis- or balbisiana-blooded. Basjoo-, Sikkimensis-, Balbisiana-, Itinerans- and Yunnanensis-hybrids are hardier, without any question. Musa acuminata is less hardy.

Best wishes
Joachim