Quote:
Originally Posted by ellenmarie
Will these seeds make plants? I'm confused by the comments in the thread. If they do are you sharing/selling seeds? I'm interested.
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I read those same comments and was very surprised that no members corrected the misinformation but it did make me realize that some members probably need more time to learn the basics about the sexual reproduction of bananas before I start sharing these seeds.
I don't know if momoese is the original source of the misinformation or if they are just repeating nonsense they read elsewhere but it was obvious they have no knowledge or experience on this topic.
Interpreting written information that isn't directly related can sometimes be challenging but it does seem difficult to believe that anyone would think that an edible banana with extremely high seed production would be infertile.
"Seeds of cultivated bananas
When edible bananas that have residual fertility are used in breeding, the number of seeds produced is generally low to very low. Both seed viability and seed dormancy can impact on germination rates. In a study of the products of crosses between 20 East African highland banana cultivars and Calcutta 4, the number of seeds per bunch ranged from 3 to 26, with an average of only 9 seeds per bunch. Of these seeds, only 42% had embryos, of which only 9% germinated following embryo extraction and germination in vitro."
The main reason I recommend to newbies that are interested in using edible bananas in their breeding programs to start with the Blue Java is because it has been the most fertile edible banana plant I've worked with so far and initial success is much more fun than failing.