<div style="text-align: justify;">In the present study, the genetic variations of leaf calli regenerants of Musa paradisiaca cv Karibale-Monthan has been analyzed using AFLP markers. The highest (86.66%) frequency of compact callus formation was obtained when leaf explants were cultured on MS media, containing 3mg/L 2,4-D and 0.5 mg/L BAP. The optimum shoot formation and multiplication (5.70&plusmn;1.49) was achieved from the leaf derived callus on MS medium fortified with 3mg/L BAP+0.5mg/L TDZ. The 3-4 cm small shoots produced distinct roots on MS media containing 0.5mg/l NAA with 0.2% activated charcoal. The AFLP analyses produced 1012 monomorphic bands from total 1094 bands with 7.5% polymorphism between mother plant and callus derived regenerants. The percentage of monomorphism for individual primer combinations was very high and varied from 90.3% (EcoRI-AG&times;MseI-CCG) to 97.6% (EcoRI-AT&times;MseI-CGA). The result showed lack of polymorphism is due to genetic integrity of the plants that was not altered indifferent to the hormonal treatment.</div>

<div style="text-align:justify">Analysis of genetic variations in <em>Musa paradisiaca</em> cv Karibale-Monthan&nbsp;using AFLP markers</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Background: </strong>Nendran is the commercial variety of banana grown exclusively for preparation of chips but its yield potential is very low (10 to 12 kg/plant). Hence an attempt was made to identify suitable banana varieties for processing along with high yield.<br /><strong>Methods: </strong>Six banana genotypes, viz., Popoulu and Nendran (Plantain type) and NRCB-8, Monthan, Bhoodibale and Kovvur Bontha (Cooking type) were evaluated for &nbsp; the parameters viz., bunch weight, finger weight, finger length, finger girth, pulp recovery and crop duration apart from processing utility.<br /><strong>Result: &lsquo;</strong>Popoulu&rsquo; was found to be superior for maximum pulp recovery (76.61%) along with higher chips recovery (40.45%). With respect to overall acceptability, chips processed from &lsquo;Popoulu&rsquo; recorded higher scores (8.07) followed by Nendran (7.56). Popoulu was also found superior for finger weight, finger girth and attained maturity with lesser duration.</div>

Analysis of genetic variations in Musa paradisiaca cv Karibale-Monthan using AFLP markers

Popoulu: A Promising Plantain Banana Could Strengthen the Banana Chips Industry in India