BANANAS & PLANTAINS
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BANANAS & PLANTAINS |
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The overall objective of the program is to develop hybrids of bananas and plantains that are resistant to the main diseases and insects of economical importance. The resulting hybrids are also screened to determine the best ones that have the ability to prosper under adverse growth conditions. The ultimate goal is to reduce the dependency of these agricultural crops on pesticides and chemicals and to contribute to the sustainable development of these crops with regards to both production and productivity.
The United Fruit Company initiated the original banana program in 1958. FHIA has continued this work and expanded the program to include plantains back in 1984. Presently, this program is a world leader in terms of improving bananas and plantains. Varieties developed by this program are being used to commercially produce fruit in various countries, and they are also being studied and analyzed in about 50 countries located in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Oceanic.
FHIA has already made available internationally the following hybrids: FHIA-01, FHIA-02, FHIA-03, and FHIA-21. These hybrids are now positively contributing to food production in various countries throughout the world. FHIA-01 and FHIA-02 are being introduced into export markets of organic products. The main characteristic of these hybrids is their resistance to various diseases that have recently devastated plantations throughout the world - including Black Sigatoka, Panama Disease and Bacterial Wilt (Sigatoka Negra, Mal de Panamá y Moko).
This fruit is an alternative for local consumption (ripe or green) or exported to international organic products market. It's resistant to three strains of Panama Disease and to crown rot. These diseases have recently caused large losses in the export banana business. FHIA-01 is also resistant to Black Sigatoka, which makes it a high growth potential crop in the organic products market. Ethylene should not be used for ripening since the fruit's flavor is enhanced and the texture becomes firmer when naturally ripened. It produces strong plants of high yields in adverse conditions of poor rainfall and soil. It is able to withstand temperatures even lower than that of the Cavendish variety. When ripe, the fruit tastes like apples; and the fruit tastes good even when cooked or fried green slices.
This strong hybrid looks like the traditional" moroca" variety that has been an integral part of the diet of many inhabitants of the Americas, Asia and Africa. FHIA-03 is highly resistant to both bacterial wilt known as marchitez bacteriana (Moko) and to the leaf spot disease known as Black Sigatoka. It's productive in poor soil and in other adverse conditions where other varieties do not grow well. It has very good qualities and may be consumed either ripe or green. This sturdy banana is capable of prospering under limited agricultural and ecological conditions. It presently contributes to the food security of various regions of the world where other traditional cooking bananas produce small yields due to various phytopathological factors. It is not apt for export since the fruit ripens very quickly after harvesting. The best way to grow this variety is in family plots and to pick fruit as needed in order to avoid unnecessary spoilage. By doing this, the remaining fruit on the tree remains green much longer.
FHIA-21 is an alternative to replace the traditional "Cuerno" plantain. Its resistance to Black Sigotoka, high yields and excellent quality have made it a popular fruit that may be consumed fresh or processed. This variety is currently being grown by many small farmers and coops throughout Honduras with excellent results. Under similar conditions FHIA-21's yield may surpass the traditional Cuerno plantain variety by two or three times. By employing modern scientific production methods, this fruit may be profitably exported to international markets. At the present time there are commercial plantations growing this variety in Honduras, Nicaragua and Ecuador.
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