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Fruit ripening involves marked physiological and biochemical changes that affect fruit color, taste, aroma, texture, and nutritional value. A significant amount of research has shown that chitosan interacts with other postharvest treatments, which can enhance the impact of the chitosan coating. This study considered the effects of chitosan coating and melatonin on banana shelf-life and fruit quality at the green mature stage. The studied variables had three levels of melatonin 0, 75, and 150 mg L-1, two levels of chitosan coating 0, 0.25, and 0.5%, and three storage durations 3, 6, and 9 days. Fruits were harvested at the green mature stage and stored at 25 °C and 80% RH for 9 days. The results showed that melatonin and chitosan coating interacted and significantly affected green mature banana quality and shelf -life during the storage time. Chitosan and melatonin interaction delayed the decrease in chlorophyll and the increase in carotenoids, fruit maturity, and color change. Our results showed that on the ninth day of storage under chitosan (0.5%) treatment along with melatonin at a concentration of 150 mg L-1, the total chlorophyll content became 3.89% lower than that under control conditions. The level of antioxidant enzyme activity in the treated samples after 3, 6, and 9 days of storage was more than in the control sample. The results showed that chitosan (0.5%) and melatonin (150 mg L-1) successfully increased the shelf life of banana fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participatory varietal selection was conducted in Southwestern part of Ethiopia to evaluate the performance of banana cultivars and to identify farmers' preference and selection criteria in the study area. Seven banana cultivars collected from Melkassa agricultural research center were evaluated in single plot in 2020-2023 main cropping season. Farmers' evaluation was made at two different stages of the crop, namely at vegetative and at maturity using both direct-matrix and pair-wise ranking methods of selection scheme. Farmers' set; plant height, disease resistance/tolerance, fruit size and yield as selection criteria to evaluate and identify their preferred cultivars. The results of analysis of variance indicated the existence of highly significant differences among cultivars for all traits measured at 5% probability level. From the previous experiments, the highest mean yield was obtained from the cultivar William I (45.32 t/ha), Dinke-1 (45.1 t/ha), Lady Finger (40.16 t/ha) and Poyo (40 t/ha). Likewise, these three cultivars (William, Dinke-1, and Lady Finger) were identified as farmers preferred cultivars from both pair-wise and direct matrix ranking evaluations. Thus, these cultivars were chosen for their performance in the field and from farmers' evaluation perspective. Moreover, this study indicated participatory varietal selection is a viable method to gain greater insight into farmers' perceptions, preferences, merits and shortcomings of banana cultivars. Therefore, based on the results of this study, William I, Dinke-1 and Lady Finger cultivars are recommended for multiplication and distribution to farmers in the area and similar agro-ecologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banana is a significant crop worldwide, and it is prone to spoilage after ripening. Processing bananas into food products reduces their post-harvest losses and promotes food security. Jam is a popular banana product, and its preparation is influenced by several factors, including pectin content and different banana varieties. The current research aimed to assess the nutritional and sensory properties of banana jam developed from Cavendish dwarf (local variety) and Indial long (hybrid variety) and treated with three different levels of pectin i.e., 5, 10, and 15 g kg-1. The results revealed that 15 g kg-1 pectin levels resulted in a better nutritional profile and sensory attributes, with 0.72% ash, 61.59% TSS, 4.28 pH, 13.84 mg 100 g-1 vitamin C, 4.34% protein, 40.10% carbohydrate, 1.34% fat, 0.50% crude fiber, 0.32% titratable acidity, 78.13 mg 100 g-1 potassium, 0.82 mg 100 g-1 iron, 1.56 mg 100 g-1 calcium, 1.36 mg 100 g-1 magnesium, 29.62 mg 100 g-1 sodium, and sensory scores of 7.87 for color, 7.78 for flavor, 7.85 for texture, and 7.92 for overall acceptability. This was followed by the 10 g and 5 g kg-1 pectin levels. Similarly, the results of varieties showed the Indial long variety to have superior nutritional and sensory qualities compared to the Cavendish dwarf variety, with 0.86% ash, 54.20% TSS, 4.23 pH, 12.78 mg 100 g-1 vitamin C, 4.56% protein, 39.29% carbohydrate, 1.15% fat, 0.37% crude fiber, 0.33% titratable acidity, 78.01 mg 100 g-1 potassium, 0.81 mg 100 g-1 iron, 1.62 mg 100 g-1 calcium, 1.27 mg 100 g-1 magnesium, and 29.67 mg 100 g-1 sodium. Its sensory scores were 7.93 for color, 7.83 for flavor, 7.90 for texture, and 7.96 for overall acceptability. It can be concluded that banana jam prepared with a pectin ratio of 15 g kg-1 has better nutritional and sensory characteristics. The results reflected that the Indial long variety was more suitable for banana jam production as compared to the Cavendish dwarf variety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, published in the journal Environment & Ecology, presents findings on the amylase activity and bio-chemical estimation of different genotypes of post-harvest banana corms. The study found variations in amylase activity, soluble sugar level, starch level, soluble protein level, and crude protein content among the different genotypes. The study concludes that post-harvest banana corms have sufficient organic content that can be used for promoting propagules or making organic compost. Further research is needed to explore the potential uses of banana corms. [Extracted from the article]

This article compares the economics of banana cultivation using drip irrigation and conventional irrigation methods in Karnataka, India. The study found that the total cost of establishing a Drip Irrigation System (DIS) for banana cultivation was ¿1,31,182/ha. Drip irrigated farms had a significantly higher average yield per hectare (18.93%) and higher net return per hectare (44%) compared to conventionally irrigated farms. The study also found that the use of chemical fertilizers was lower in drip irrigated banana cultivation, and the cost of cultivation was lower while the yield and gross returns were higher compared to conventional irrigation. Overall, the study concludes that drip irrigation is a water-saving technology that increases productivity and profit for banana farmers in water-scarce regions. [Extracted from the article]

Banana group can be divided into two groups based on their method of its utilization. Banana group that can be eaten immediately after ripening is called "dessert banana", e.g., Raja, while the group that needs particular processing before consumption is called "plantain banana", e.g., Kepok. This study aimed to compare the growth of Raja banana with Kepok plantain through experiments at three stages of the in vitro culture media: the shoot initiation, shoot multiplication, and plantlet acclimatization, also to compare the growth of Raja bananas with Kepok plantains in response to cytokinins BAP and TDZ at shoot multiplication stage. Planting material was in the form of rhizomes that was prepared with the same size. The experiment was performed using a completely randomized design. Results showed that Kepok plantain could adapt faster to the media condition than Raja banana; the phenomenon was evident in the growing speed of Kepok during shoot initiation stage. The proportion of the B genome did not show a direct effect on shoot induction at the multiplication stage or enlargement and organ formation at the acclimatization stage. Shoot induction at the multiplication stage depended more on the composition of the media used. The combination of BAP 3 mg L-1 and TDZ 0.01 mg L-1 in MS media produced the best shoot induction rate, and TDZ 0.01 mg L-1 in MS media had the highest shoot elongation rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruits and vegetables play very important role in our day-to-day life because of their nutrition parameters. In recent years organic cultivation is more popular as there is more demand for organic fruits and vegetables. Due to very high nutrition benefits and considering the easily availability of banana, it is most demandable and afforded by common man. Consumer decides the quality of banana based on their physical characteristics. Simple experiment was carried out to study and analyse physical properties, nutritional properties of two varieties of banana Cavendish Banana and Velchi banana. The study shows that the colour of banana changes gradually from dark green to yellow with brown spots which increases in ripeness. The banana weight goes on reducing with ripening days. The 21.83% and 9.8% reduction weight is observed in Cavendish and Velchi Banana respectively. The pulp to peel ratio increases with increase in ripening. Ratio varied from 1.69 to 1.77 for cavendish and 3.2 to 4.8 for Velchi. The pH value goes on increasing during the ripening days whereas once fruit is overripe it starts decreasing. The pH value varies from 4.2 to 5.4. Total Soluble Sugar gradually increases till banana becomes overripe. TSS varies from 4.5 to 26.7. The majority characteristics used for grading are colour, pulp to peel ratio, TSS and pH. This paper represents the analysis of Cavendish banana and Velchi banana based on colour, TSS and pH. The study shows TSS goes on increasing with ripening whereas pH decreases once banana overripe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Musa cultivars are popularly consumed after the peel had been removed. However, various studies had shown that the peels contained vital nutrients, phytochemicals, and antioxidant properties. This study compared the anti-diabetic potentials of M. paradisiaca pulp with whole (peel and pulp) flours of three frequently eaten Musa cultivars (M. paradisiaca, M sapientum, and AAB group hybrid). The aqueous extracts prepared from pulverized M. paradisiaca pulp (PP), whole hybrid (WH), whole M. sapientum, (WB), and whole M. paradisiaca (WP)were analyzed for Glycemic indices, in-vitro antioxidant potentials as well as inhibitory effect on the a-amylase and a-glucosidase enzymes. The three studied flours showed low glycemic index values in the range of (49.33-52.91), similar to (51.60) of PP flour. WH, WB, and WP flours revealed higher total flavonoids, DPPH, FRAP, and a -amylase compared to PP flour. The PP flour conversely exhibited an increase in OH* radical scavenging ability as well as increased a - glucosidase inhibitory abilities compared to the other studied flours. These results indicated that all tested samples were low glycemic index food. However, WH compared most favorably with PP in its total phenols, total flavonoids, FRAP, and a-amylase inhibitory activities compared to the other tested samples and hence could be taken into consideration when managing diabetic issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pectimorf® is has been has been used as partial or total substitute of the plant growth regulators in the in vitro propagation of different crops. Nevertheless, its effect has not been evaluated in the somatic embryogenesis in bananas to large scale. Therefore, the investigation about the effect of the Pectimorf® in the development of in vitro plants of somatic embryos in germination phase of banana cultivar 'FHIA 01' (AAAB) to commercial scale in the Biofábrica Granma was carried out. The treatments consisted on the use of the alone Pectimorf® (5, 10 and 15 mg l-1) and combined with the plant growth regulators (2 mg l-1 AIA + 0.05 mg l-1 6-BAP). At 30 days after culture it was taken randomly 60 in vitro plants (from 200 somatic embryos per treatment with three replicate) in which were determined the following variables: rooting and survival percentage, bud, leaves and root numbers, pseudostem height and thickness (cm), root greater size length (cm), air and root part mass dry (g). Bigger vegetative development of the plants was obtained with the use of the alone Pectimorf® (to reason of 10 and 15 mg l-1) and combined with the plant growth regulators (AIA and 6-BAP) in the somatic embryogenesis of banana cultivar 'FHIA 01' (AAAB). These results can constitute an important alternative in the optimization from the propagation process to Cuban commercial large scale lab. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation was conducted on an experimental farm at the El-Kanater Horticultural Research Station in Qayubeia Governorate, Egypt during the 2018 and 2019 experimental seasons. The banana Williams cultivar were plant materials for this research, grown in clay loamy soil and the mates (plantation holes) were 3×4 meters apart under the flood irrigation system. Anyhow, Herosten the commercial name was the source of auxin used in this investigation. This compound contains (1.5 % NAA; 1.5 NAD and 1.5 % NAO), sprinkles were added sprinkles monthly five times during the period from first July to first November at a rate of 0.25, 0.375, 0.50 and 0.625 g per liter. Taking into consideration that sprays treatments were applied covering the whole bunch of each plant, whereas 0.5 liters was found to be sufficient in this concern to study the effect of different concentrations of Herosten sprays on productivity and fruit quality of Williams banana plants. Definitively, it can be shown from the results obtained that, spraying of Williams banana plants grown under similar environmental conditions and horticulture practices adopted in the current experiment with Herosten (auxin) at 0.375 g per liter and/or Herosten (auxin) at 0.50 g per liter is a beneficial method for enhancing production and fruit quality. In comparison, the lowest values of most of the parameters under investigation were typically associated with the control (water spray). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every region in Indonesia has a very large diversity of banana species, but no system records information about the characteristics of banana varieties. The purpose of this research is to make an encyclopedia of banana types that can be used for learning by classifying banana varieties using banana images. This banana variety classification system uses image processing techniques and artificial neural network methods as classification methods.The varieties of bananas used are pisang merah, pisang pisang mas kirana, pisang klutuk, pisang raja and pisang cavendis. The parameters used are color features (Red, Green, and Blue) and shape features (area, perimeter, diameter, and length of fruit). The intelligent system used is the Backpropagation method and the Radial Basis Function Neural Network. The results showed that both methods were able to classify banana varieties with an accuracy rate of 98% for Backpropagation and 100% for the Radial Basis Function Neural Network.

Calcineurin B-like (CBL) proteins are reported to play significant roles in plant development and ion-transport regulation. Potassium shortages are a serious problem in banana cultivation. However, to date, the members of the banana CBL gene family, and their function in regulating potassium stress, remain unclear. In this study, 11 CBL genes were identified from the banana genome and grouped into four groups (Group I–IV) based on their phylogenetic relationships. The genomic features of these MaCBL genes were analyzed, focusing on their gene structures, standpat motifs, chromosomal distributions, and evolutionary history. Expression pattern analysis revealed that the MaCBLs were function-specific. Further qRT-PCR analysis indicated that the presence of MaCBL2 was indeed a response to potassium deficiency stress. The MaCBL2 gene was cloned, and sequence alignment indicated that it contained four elongation factor hand (EF-hand) domains, the conserved N-terminal myristoylation domain “MGCXXS/K(T)” and the “FPSF” motif. Subcellular location analysis showed that MaCBL2 was located in the plasma membrane, nucleus and cytoplasm. The overexpression of MaCBL2 could restore the growth of the yeast mutant R5421 on a K+ -deficient medium. The overexpression of MaCBL2 could promote the root length of transgenic seedlings on K + -deficient medium. These findings indicate that MaCBL2 was, in our study, the key gene of the CBL family in responding to potassium deficiency in bananas. Our discoveries have established a considerable basis for the further study and application of MaCBL genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationalization of water use in Egypt become a national goal, therefore, this investigation was conducted to study the effect of regulated deficient irrigation as a water saving strategy on banana growth and yield. The current study was carried out during two successive seasons (2017/2018 and 2018/2019) on Grandnain banana cv. grown in a private orchard in Wadi El Natron, El-Behara governorate, Egypt. The experiment was conducted on the 2nd and the 3rd banana ratoon, grown in sandy soil spaced at 2x3 meters apart, under drip irrigation system. The tested treatments were using 100, 90, and 80 % of the actual amounts of water applied at the experimental site. Treatments were applied at three dates during banana growth. The obtained results cleared that using 90 and 80% of the actually applied amounts of water, didn't affect either vegetative growth (plant height, pseudostem circumference, leaf area and number of green leaves/plant) or yield (bunch weight and fruit quality). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micropropagation techniques allow the mass production of banana plants but can cause somaclonal variations such as dwarfism. Changes in the metabolite profile during micropropagation of normal (NP) and dwarf (DP) banana plants have not been described. Both, NPs and DPs of banana Musa AAA cv. Williams were micropropagated and the metabolite profile of vitroplants was assessed at the proliferation (PP), rooting (RP) and the second greenhouse-acclimatization (APII) phases of tissue culture. Metabolites from 10 DPs and 10 NPs meristems from each micropropagation phase were extracted and identified by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GCMS). Principal component analysis (PCA) and test of statistical significance were applied to detect differentially accumulated metabolites. The PCA showed a clear grouping of DPs separated from NPs in RP and APII. Among the differentially accumulated metabolites, various precursors of apoplast components including arabinose and galactose or deoxygalactose in both PP and RP, as well as mannose and fucose in APII were under-accumulated in DPs. Results suggest affected apoplast composition during micropropagation of DPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bananas are vital for food security in many countries, and half of banana production relies solely on 'Cavendish' (AAA), which is presently threatened by the fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) tropical race 4. This particular virulent Foc strain was also found to attack other banana varieties of commercial importance. As there is no single effective management practice available so far, this study was undertaken to determine resistant sources from the genotype collection available at the ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India for direct use by farmers and/or in breeding programmes to develop resistant hybrids. A total of 258 genotypes of different ploidies and genomic constitutions were tested against Foc race 1 (VCG 0124). In total, 19 genotypes (AA Unique-6, BB type-2, AAA Unique-1, AAA Cavendish-1, AAB Mysore-3, AAB Pome-1, AAB Plantain-4 and AAAB-1) were found to be immune; eight genotypes (AA Unique-1, BB type-3, AAA Cavendish-1, AAB Mysore-1, AAB Unique-1, AAB Plantain-1) were highly resistant; and nine genotypes (AA Unique-1, AAA Cavendish-3, AAB Silk-1, AAB Pome-4) were resistant. The genotypes that are resistant to the virulent Foc race 1 (VCG 0124) strain can be exploited directly for commercialization and/or in breeding programs to develop resistant hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The identification of banana cultivars genome is needed to provide a valid identity from the accession of bananas which are used as basic data in the management of in situ and ex situ banana conservation as well as for further breeding of banana cultivars. Results: The size of PCR-amplified matK ranged from 844 to 860 bp and showed a high variability. The haplotype diversity was 0.9048 with nine haplotypes. Haplotype distribution map revealed the lineage patterns of banana cultivars from Java. Reconstruction of genetic relationships using the maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference algorithms produces tree topologies and classifications that are grouped according to their genomic groups, into three main clades, i.e., AA/AAA, AAB and ABB. Based on the previously derived age constraints and fossil data, we estimate (Musaceae) that genetic divergence times of all samples occurred during the Eocene (95% HPD: 51.9 Mya), Musa acuminata group (AA, AAA, AAB) with Musa balbisiana group (BB and ABB) occurred during the Oligocene (95% HPD: 26 Mya), and the separation on each banana cultivars occurred during the Middle Miocene to Pliocene (95% HPD: 16.5–2.5 Mya). Conclusions: From this study, we conclude that all studied cultivars are closely related according to its genomic groups with high variation. Genetic variation among those cultivars creates nine haplotypes. The development of variety which leads to the formation of different banana cultivars had suggested to be occurred long ago along with human migration and domestication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starch branching enzyme (SBE) has rarely been studied in common starchy banana fruits. For the first time, we report here the molecular characterization of seven SBE (MaSBE) and six SBE (MbSBE) genes in the banana A- and B-genomes, respectively, which could be classified into three distinct subfamilies according to genome-wide identification. Systematic transcriptomic analysis revealed that six MaSBEs and six MbSBEs were expressed in the developing banana fruits of two different genotypes, BaXi Jiao (BX, AAA) and Fen Jiao (FJ, AAB), among which MaSBE2.3 and MbSBE2.3 were highly expressed. Transient silencing of MaSBE2.3 expression in banana fruit discs led to a significant decrease in its transcription, which coincides with significant reductions in total starch and amylopectin contents compared to those of empty vector controls. The suggested functional role of MaSBE2.3 in banana fruit development was corroborated by its transient overexpression in banana fruit discs, which led to significant enhancements in total starch and amylopectin contents. A number of transcription factors, including three auxin response factors (ARF2/12/24) and two MYBs (MYB3/308), that interact with the MaSBE2.3 promoter were identified by yeast one-hybrid library assays. Among these ARFs and MYBs, MaARF2/MaMYB308 and MaARF12/MaARF24/MaMYB3 were demonstrated via a luciferase reporter system to upregulate and downregulate the expression of MaSBE2.3, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The digestibility of starch in Saba banana as affected by maturity and physical properties of digesta was investigated. Five maturity stages were identified based on peel color index which also showed significant differences in physicochemical properties and starch granule morphology. The effect of physical properties of digesta was evaluated by monitoring the viscosity throughout the simulated digestion process and comparing two different physical structures of banana: (1) unhomogenized cut samples which have intact tissue structure and (2) homogenized slurry representing disrupted cellular structure. During ripening process, a decrease in starch content was noted with a concomitant formation of sugars and increasing concentration of acids. Green unripe stages showed the highest rate of starch hydrolysis in both physical structures and a decreasing trend was observed as ripening proceeded. The high digesta viscosity values of ripe stages was found to have an inhibitory effect on starch hydrolysis. Similarly, the differences in physical structure of food affected the digestive enzymes efficiency in breaking down starch. These results suggested that the physicochemical changes accompanying maturation and the physical properties (i.e. high viscosity and presence of intact cell structure) of food could significantly impact the rate of starch digestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at isolating and identifying lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with probiotic potential from fermented flour of selected banana varieties grown in Sri Lanka and evaluating their probiotic and safety attributes in vitro. Ten lactic acid bacteria were isolated from six varieties of fermented banana flour, kolikuttu, seeni parakum, ambul nadee, ambum, seeni and anamalu. The isolates were screened for phenotypical and biochemical characteristics. The selected isolates were identified by 16 S rRNA sequencing as Enterococcus durans (two strains), E. gallinarum, E. hirae, E. faecium (two strains), Lactobacillus plantarum, L. curieae, Weissella cibaria and Pediococcus acidilactici and their partial sequences were deposited in NCBI. Among them, six isolates were selected based on the results of in vitro safety attributes and evaluated for their probiotic attributes. Three isolates, namely, E. durans MF405179.1, E. faecium MF574466.1 and L. curieae MF405178.1 isolated from kolikuttu, seeni parakum and ambul nadee, respectively demonstrated tolerance to acid, gastric juice, bile, salt, phenol and temperature under gastric conditions, and also showed susceptibility to tested antibiotics. Among the selected isolates, E. durans MF405179.1 demonstrated the highest hydrophobicity and auto-aggregation of 69.91% and 76.53%, respectively. Further, it exhibited highest adhesion to both HCT116 and HT29 cell lines demonstrating 72.5% and 74.16% adhesion, respectively. This is the first report of isolation and characterisation of LAB strains with probiotic potential from flour of banana varieties kolikuttu, seeni parakum, ambul nadee, ambum, seeni and anamalu grown in Sri Lanka. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work was carried out at the sandy soil of El-Khatatba region, Minofia Governorate, Egypt, through the two successive seasons of 2016 and 2017 to study the effect of organic fertilization combined with chemical fertilizer in presence of bio fertilizer on growth, yield, quality and nutritional status of banana Grande Naine cultivar. Mother plants were planted at 3×2 m apart in March 2015 and two suckers were selected per each hole and the others were removed. The obtained results showed that, the highest values of pseudostem height, pseudostem circumference, leaf area and assimilation area per plants were scored by T1 recommended dose of chemical fertilization (RD), followed in descending order by T4 treatment (75% RD+21kg compost+5ml bio./plant) with non-significant differences between them in the two seasons. The highest values of bunch length, fruits yield per fed., the thickest bunch, the heaviest bunch, the highest number of fingers/hand and the heaviest hand were scored by T1 treatment, followed in descending order by T4 treatment in the two seasons. The highest values of finger length, finger diameter and finger weight as well as the richest fruit pulp total sugars % and T.S.S. % were recorded by T4, followed by T7 (75% RD+45g humic+ 5ml bio./plant) in the two seasons. The heaviest pulp weight was obtained by those received T4 treatment, followed in descending order by T7 treatments, whereas the highest pulp/peel ratio was registered by T7 and T4 treatments in the two seasons. Banana plants received the full dose of chemical fertilization (100% RD) is being the most promising one for inducing the greatest leaf total carbohydrates, N, P and K percentage, followed in descending order by T4 and T7 treatments without significant difference between them in the two seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ohmic heating is a substitutive rapid heating method for food products. In this study, banana pulp with different concentrations of sugar is ohmically heated and the influence of sucrose concentration on electrical conductivity was investigated. The electrical conductivity, pH, total soluble solids, acidity, ascorbic acid content before and after ohmic heat treatment were also analysed. As the sucrose concentration increased, heating time at various voltage gradients 13.33, 20 and 26.66 V/cm increased, and the electrical conductivity decreased. As the voltage gradient increased, the pH and TSS of treated pulp with different sugar concentration increased followed by decrease in colour and acidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The present research was conducted at the Institute of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Crop Production, Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan during the year 2015 to study physico-chemical and sensorial qualities of value added banana products. In this regard unripe fruits of Cavendish variety of banana were collected from local banana orchard of Tandojam and processed for making banana flour. Banana flour was used to make different products viz. dough, chapati and banana kheer. Chappati was also explored by adding rice and basin flour. Unripe banana fruit, banana flour and their products were analysed for pH, titratable acidity, moisture (%), TSS (Brix) and vitamin C. The results showed that physico-chemical and sensorial qualities of banana flour and their products were significantly affected by value added banana products. Maximum pH (7.68) and TSS (26.30 brix) were recorded from banana kheer. However, ash (0.8260) and vitamin C (18.35) remained highest in chapatti that was made by adding banana and rice flours. However, results of vitamin C (18.3) in chapatti were nonsignificant with those obtained from unripe banana fruit (17.54) and banana kheer (15.79). Unripe banana fruits had maximum moisture (72.08%) in comparison to banana products. Minimum pH (6.79) and titratable acidity (0.02) were observed in unripe banana fruit, while banana flour had minimum moisture (7.47%) and ash (0.2363%). Minimum vitamin C (12.83) and TSS (5.30) were observed in chapati and banana and basin flour, respectively. It is clear from the results that processing of banana for value added products altered the physico-chemical qualities of banana flour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banana springs are a new snack food similar to banana chips. This study focuses on the quality improvement of banana springs. The effects of stage of maturity and time of frying on the quality of banana springs prepared from two varieties namely, Musa acuminata Colla cv. Berangan and Musa paradisiaca L. cv. Nangka, were evaluated. Five stages of maturity, i.e., i) mature, ii) early ripening, iii) intermediate ripening, iv) ripe, and v) overripe, were used in the trial. The total soluble solid (TSS) of two varieties at different maturity stages was measured. Banana springs were made by using spiral potato slicer. The slices of banana spring were 2±0.1 mm in thickness. The banana springs were deep fried in refined, bleached and deodorised (RBD) palm olein at a temperature of 170oC for 0, 3, 4, 5, and 6 minutes respectively. The fried banana springs were tested for their texture and crispiness. The samples were assessed for colour, flavour, texture, taste and overall acceptability by a 30-member taste panel. The TSS content of Nangka banana was greater than Berangan banana and the TSS content increased with maturity but it was a bit different between two varieties. Banana springs of Nangka variety had a higher value for texture (hardiness), especially at the early maturing stages in comparison to Berangan banana. Frying of banana springs for five and six minutes produced the same quality. An acceptable product with good taste, crispness, and the odour was obtained from both the varieties when fried at 170oC for 5 minutes. Nangka banana was better in respect of sweetness, odour, texture, and crispness vis-a-vis Berangan. Green matured banana (Maturity index I) of both the varieties was found suitable for the preparation of quality banana springs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant casein kinase II (CKII) plays an essential role in regulating plant growth and development, and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses. Here, we report the identification and characterization of the CKII family genes in Musa spp. cv. ‘Tianbaojiao’ (AAA group) and the wild banana (Musa itinerans). The 13 cDNA sequences of the CKII family members were identified both in ‘Tianbaojiao’ and wild banana, respectively. The differences between CKII α and CKII β members are corroborated through the subcellular localizations, phosphorylation sites and gene structures. The cloning of CKII β-like-2 gDNA sequences in wild banana and ‘Tianbaojiao’ and the analysis of gene structures showed MiCKIIβ-like-2b and MaCKIIβ-like-2 are likely alternatively spliced transcripts, which were derived from the alternative splicing events that involved exon deletion. The qPCR validation showed differential expression CKII family members in response to cold stress and also in all tested tissues (leaf, pseudostem and root) of wild banana. In particular, the normal transcript MiCKIIβ-like-2a was highly expressed in response to cold stress in wild banana; oppositely, the alternatively spliced transcript MiCKIIβ-like-2b was quite lowly expressed. The complex origin and long-term evolution of Musa lineage might explain the alternative splicing events of CKII β-like-2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chitosan (1.0% and 2.0%) and putrescine (1.0 and 2.0 mmol/L) treatments were used to investigate the effects of these compounds on the postharvest quality and shelf‐life of two banana cultivars, “Native” and “Cavendish.” Fruits were stored at 15 ± 2°C and a relative humidity of 85%–90% during a 20‐day period. In the controls, increases in weight loss, microbial population, total soluble solids, and ethylene production and decreases in firmness, ascorbic acid contents, and fruit lightness occurred gradually during storage. All these changes were delayed significantly after treatments with chitosan and putrescine. Application of putrescine and chitosan also caused small increases in phenolic compound contents and antioxidant activity at the end of the storage period. Results obtained suggest that a treatment with 1% chitosan is effective in improving the postharvest quality and shelf‐life of banana, and open the possibility that lower concentrations of chitosan may be also effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The Banana and plantain improvement through conventional breeding method has been very slow mainly due to narrow genetic variability, sterility and polyploid nature of most banana cultivars. Thus, mutation breeding is a promising tool to create new cultivars for the improvement of banana. Therefore, gamma treated banana plantlets were subjected to acclimatization under nursery and several study was conducted. Morphological study on the growth of mutated plantlets showed that, 10 Gy induced a significant stimulation effect on root length, leaf length and leaf width compared to non-treated banana. In the meanwhile, 30 Gy treatment induced dwarf plant. IRAP molecular analysis revealed that, the total of 37 DNA bands position were detected, out of them 20 were polymorphic, producing 54% polymorphism. The highest IRAP bands were detected using primer Sukkula LTR with a maximum number of polymorphic bands, whereas primer LTR 6149, Sukkula LTR/LTR 6149, Sukkula LTR/3'LTR and Sukkula LTR/5'LTR1 yielded monomorphic bands. Hence, in overall application of 10 Gy of γ induced the significant higher phenotypic and genotypic variation. Therefore, the current research was conducted to study the effect of gamma radiation on the morphological and genetic variation in γ irradiated banana plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this research were to determine antioxidant activity from different polarity peel extracts of three varieties of banana using two methods of antioxidant testing which were DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and CUPRAC (Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity) and correlation of total phenolic, flavonoid and carotenoid content in different polarity extracts of banana peels with their IC50 of DPPH and IC50 of CUPRAC antioxidant activities. Extraction was conducted by reflux using different polarity solvents. The extracts were evaporated using rotary evaporator. Antioxidant activities, determination of total phenolic, flavonoid and carotenoid content were performed by UV-visible spectrophotometry and its correlation with IC50 of DPPH scavenging activities and EC50 of CUPRAC capacities were analyzed by Pearson's method. All of peel extracts banana and nangka banana (except ethanolic peel extract of nangka banana) were categorized as very strong antioxidant, using DPPH assay. Phenolic compounds in tanduk banana and nangka banana peel extracts were the major contributor in their antioxidant activities by DPPH and CUPRAC assays. Peel extracts of nangka banana gave linear results in DPPH and CUPRAC assays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bali, one of Indonesia island, is a region inhabited by a large number and varied banana (Musa spp; Musaceae). Many varieties of banana have been utilized by local peoples since long time ago as traditional medicine, edible material, used in traditional ceremony and others. However, information regarding the knowledge on ethnobotany of banana in Bali remains scattered and is not documented well. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and document the ethnobotanic values of bananas in Bali. Ethnobotanic data was collected through focus group discussion (FGD), surveys and interviews from 9 study sites (1 city and 8 regencies) with one or two villages represented each site. Ethnobotanical value of banana was determined by Local User's Value Index (LUVI) with Pebble Distribution Method (PDM). Subsequently, data obtained was analysed using simple statistic description. Results showed that as many as 44 varieties of banana in Bali were documented. Local peoples have been utilizing banana in their daily life for ritual as indicated by higher LUVI (0.4867), followed by food (0.3), medicine (0.1533), and other (0.06). On the basis of testimony of respondents, indigenous knowledge of peoples in Bali about banana is vertically transmitted from parents to their children (98%). This study provided a valuable information of how the local peoples manage and conserve the banana and its nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

V.R.D.S. Buzau is well known for tomato breeding, over time here were obtained valuable varieties appreciated by both consumers and growers. Currently, V.R.D.S. Buzau has an important germplasm collection consisting of over 1500 genotypes in different breeding phases. Since 1996, research on breeding this species were intensively undertaken, been obtained for the first time in our country hybrids with a certain destination. The research carried out so far has mainly focused on the germplasm evaluation accumulated to identify genotypes with distinct features for the breeding process, as well as availability and genetic stability in the progeny. The study aimed the observation of shape, size and fruit color to identify distinct features. The stable identified genotypes were organized into two groups: cherry type varieties and large fruits of different shapes like pear, bell peppers, long pepper, lemon, banana varieties, with different colors like white, various shades of yellow, red, pink, brown, black, burgundy varieties. Two of these genotypes have been proposed for patenting and are to be expanded on a large scale in production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxicological studies of manufactured nanomaterials are getting increasingly significant due to their continuous environmental release through various commercial products. Thus in the study, banana variety Grandnaine was cultured in rooting media with various concentrations of AgNPs and AgNO3 for studying its effect on shoot length, root length, length and width of the longest leaf, fresh weight and dry weight. Interestingly, all the morphological parameters analyzed were found not to have any significant variation under various treatments made. The anatomy of the roots of plants under different treatments showed slight increase in the number of metaxylem elements at higher concentrations of AgNO3 compared to control. But the effect of AgNPs on number of metaxylem elements was at par with that of the control. The lack of toxicity of AgNP on banana tissue cultured plants as confirmed in the study offers opportunities to explore the development of NP based formulations for the enhancement of productivity of economically important plants like banana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SEM of starch from five EAHB cultivars showed a mixture of irregular granule shapes with smooth surfaces. The starches' average diameter size ranged between 16.31 and 21.98 μm. The moisture, protein, and ash content of the starches were: 11.12%-11.84%, 0.1% and 0.23%-0.47% respectively. The amylose content of these starches was between 11% and 13%. The starches peak viscosity ranged between 488.42 and 558.66 RVU. The EAHB starches exhibited relatively low pasting temperatures (<75°C), a high peak viscosity (488.42-558.71 RVU), high level of viscosity breakdown (235.00-311.92 RVU) and low set-back values (61.21-104.33 RVU). In general, the EAHB starches' WHCs and SPs increased substantially at 80°C with maximum SP (12.43-14.27 g water/g starch) and solubility (12.52%-14.19%) values obtained at 90°C. The starch clarity ranged from 1.7% to 2.3% and followed the same pattern. The starches exhibited poor freeze-thaw stability as they had high syneresis (68% to 72%) after 10 freeze-thaw cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banana is a tropical fruit cultivated in warm places, harvested during the whole year, produced and consumed around the world. Its productivity is affected by the vulnerability of these cultivars to some pests and diseases, and some agrochemicals are applied to avoid these attacks. However, all of them can cause serious health problems in humans such as cancer and neurological diseases. Due to that, this study evaluated the supercritical fluid in the pesticides extraction present in banana flour, based on an experimental design. The fruits were fortified with a synthetic solution containing the agrochemicals diluted in methanol. The yield of pesticides increased with the pressure increasing, and the better condition was at 500 bar and 60 °C. The experimental data were well modeled by the models of Esquível et al. (1999), Reverchon & Osseo (1994), Zeković et al. (2003) and Sovová (1999). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the problems of banana cultivation is the reduced number of productive commercial cultivars, with fruits adequate to market requirements. This paper aimed to study the genetic divergence among 15 banana cultivars by multivariate analysis and determine the relative importance of 35 agronomic and nutritional characteristics. The data were subjected to multivariate analysis of variance. For the application of Tocher Optimization grouping method, the Mahalanobis distance was used. The hierarchical method UPGMA and canonical variables analysis were also used. For the identification of the most important characteristics for dissimilarity, was used the Singh method. There was a higher mean dissimilarity to cultivate Terrinha followed by Marmelo cultivars and Mysore. The smallest measure of dissimilarity was found between the Nanicão and Prata-Graúda cultivars. The characteristics vitamin A content, starch percentage, total soluble sugars, sugars, non-reducing, antioxidant potential, fresh weight of pulp, plant height and fresh weight of the fruit are the most important in the estimation of dissimilarity, are soon to be prioritized in studies future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) is a rapid, isothermal amplification method with high specificity and sensitivity. In this study, an assay was developed and evaluated for the detection of banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) in infected banana plants. Three oligonucleotide primer pairs were designed from the replicase initiator protein gene sequences of BBTV to function both in RPA as well as in polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 133 symptomatic as well as asymptomatic banana leaf samples from various cultivars were collected from the different regions of India and evaluated for BBTV infection using the RPA assay. BBTV was efficiently detected using crude leaf sap in RPA and the results obtained were consistent with PCR-based detection using purified DNA as template. To our knowledge, this is the first report of reliable diagnosis of BBTV infection by RPA using crude leaf sap as a template. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Southern Agriculture is the property of Journal of Southern Agriculture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study aimed to investigate the physicochemical properties and chemical composition of epicuticular wax extracted from leaves of Kluai Namwa, a banana cultivar which is widely grown in Northern Thailand. Its genotype was identified by a botanist. The wax was extracted using solvent extraction. The fatty acid profiles and physicochemical properties of the wax namely melting point, congealing point, crystal structures and polymorphism, hardness, color, and solubility were examined and compared to those of beeswax, carnauba wax and paraffin wax. The results showed that the genotype of Kluai Namwa was Musa acuminata XM. balbisiana (ABB group) cv. Pisang Awak. The highest amount of wax extracted was 274 µg/cm² surface area. The fatty acid composition and the physicochemical properties of the wax were similar to those of carnauba wax. It could be suggested that the banana wax could be used as a replacement for carnauba wax in various utilizing areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing inoculation time during Agrobacterium-mediated transformation has been shown to favour transformation efficiency in several plant species. The effect of inoculation time in combination with spermidine (Spd) on efficiency was determined during Agrobaterium-mediated transformation of the Musa cultivar 'Grande naine' (AAA). Banana embryogenic cell suspensions (ECSs) were incubated with the bacterial strain EHA 105 carrying the binary vector pFAJ3000. Six different inoculation conditions (6 h, 6 h+Spd, 12 h, 12 h+Spd, 24 h, 24 h+Spd) were compared based on transient GUS expression and number of embryo colonies formed. Moreover, leaf fragments from 24 randomly chosen regenerated plantlets were assayed presence and expression of the transgenes. Consequently, samples that were inoculated for 24 h in medium supplemented with 1 mM spermidine showed the highest transformation efficiency, expressed as number of blue foci and regenerated colonies after the selection treatment. Here we showed for the first time that longer inoculation times in combination with spermidine enhance the efficiency of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of the banana cultivar 'Grande naine'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The utilization of banana peel resulting from the banana chips processing industry is still relatively low, as it is used only as an animal feed. The exploration of potential benefits of banana peel as a source of starch may significantly improve its economic values, since it can be used in various food and non-food industries and pharmaceutical industries. A preparation method to process starch from banana peel waste was investigated in this study. The raw material used was agung banana variety of Semeru obtained from Lumajang city, East Java, Indonesia as its peel is thick and more resistant to degradation process, and was characterized for its physical and chemical attributes. The properties of resulting starch processed from Agung banana peel Semeru variety met the specifications required. Its viscosity was higher and its gelatinization temperature was relatively lower than those of cassava starch. Based on the nature of viscosity, Agung banana peel starch has a great chance to be used as an ingredient in making a tablet dosage form, in particular as a tablet binder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst, is a pest recently introduced and propagating in the Neotropical region where the extent of potential damage to cultivars of Musa spp. is not well known. Three basal leaves of each young 'Dwarf Giant' banana ( Musa AAA Cavendish), 'Horn' plantain ( Musa AAB Plantain), and 'Date' banana ( Musa AA Sucrier) were experimentally infested with 200 adult mites per leaf. As a check, three coconut palms ( Cocos nucifera L.) of cultivars 'Pacific Tall', 'Malayan Dwarf', and the hybrid ('Pacific Tall' x 'Malayan Dwarf') were infested. The objective was to evaluate colonize and increase in abundance of the pest, as well as damage it can cause in the humid tropics of Mexico. After 4 months, the number of adult mites per infested leaf had increased 2.4 to 5.3 times on Musa spp. cultivars and 43.4 to 54.1 times on cultivars of C. nucifera. Similarly, the rates of eggs, larvae-nymphs, and adults on nearby leaves were less on Musa spp. than on C. nucifera. Mild damage was observed on 'Horn' plantain and 'Date' banana, moderate damage on 'Dwarf Giant' banana, and the coconut palms were severely damaged. The rainfall had a negative effect on colonization and development of R. indica. Torrential rain and prolonged drizzle during most of the year in the study area regulated R. indica in host plant in the region. Effect of weather on decrease in abundance as well as phytosanitary practices should be considered when managing the pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Homogenizer-assisted extraction (HAE) was employed in the recovery of total phenolic compounds (TPC) from banana peel. The effects of ethanol concentration (20-70%, v/v, EC) and the solid-solvent ratio (2.5-7.5%, w/v, SSR) on the TPC extraction from banana peel were evaluated using response surface methodology. The best TPC extraction conditions from banana peel were defined as ethanol concentration of 54% (v/v) and solid-solvent ratio of 7.5% (w/v). The HAE in optimum conditions was able to extract a high TPC content (2.44 g GAE/100 g dw) from banana peel with just 30 s of extraction. In addition, the extract showed high antioxidant activity in the different assays used (DPPH IC50, TEAC and T-ORACFL). HAE can be employed in the safe, fast and low environmental impact extraction of antioxidant compounds from plant material. Furthermore, banana peels can be considered as a renewable and low-cost source of antioxidant compounds. Practical Applications Extraction of antioxidants from banana peel using HAE presents more potential than traditional extraction methods, due to a lot of decrease of extraction time (30 s), low energy expenditure as the system is not heated and also the use of GRAS solvent (water : ethanol). The banana peel extract obtained in optimal conditions presents high potential, for example, it can be applied as preservatives in the food and beverage, besides others uses in pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. The banana peel is a cheap plant material and available throughout the year; therefore, it is an excellent raw material for the extraction of natural compounds. The use of banana peel to obtain antioxidant extracts is a practical alternative for increasing the value of this by-product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was executed from the period of 2014 to 2015 seasons at the tissue culture laboratory of the Horticulture department, Faculty of Agriculture - Assiut University In vitro grown banana plantlets of Grand Nain and Zeev cultivars were treated with NaCl at 0,30,60,120, and 200 mM/L to study the effect of salinity stress on the plantlets or with PEG at 0,10,20,30, and 40g/L for drought investigation. The obtained results could be concluded as follow: 1-Effect of salinity: Plantlet height, fresh weight, dry weight and number of leaves/plantlet significantly decreased by increasing the NaCl concentration from Zero to 200 mM/L for both tested cultivars during 2014 and 2015 season. Total chlorophyll and K+ content significantly decreased, while sodium content significantly increased by increasing NaCl concentrations as compared with untreated plantlets (control). 2- Effect of drought: The effect of PEG at different concentrations took approximately the same tendency as NaCl concentrations concerning the vegetative and chemical characterestcs of both Grand Nain and Zeev plantlets during both investigated seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fruit ripening is a complex, genetically programmed process involving the action of critical transcription factors (TFs). Despite the established significance of dehydration-responsive element binding (DREB) TFs in plant abiotic stress responses, the involvement of DREBs in fruit ripening is yet to be determined., Here, we identified four genes encoding ripening-regulated DREB TFs in banana ( Musa acuminata), MaDREB1, MaDREB2, MaDREB3, and MaDREB4, and demonstrated that they play regulatory roles in fruit ripening., We showed that MaDREB1-MaDREB4 are nucleus-localized, induced by ethylene and encompass transcriptional activation activities. We performed a genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation and high-throughput sequencing (ChIP-Seq) experiment for MaDREB2 and identified 697 genomic regions as potential targets of MaDREB2. MaDREB2 binds to hundreds of loci with diverse functions and its binding sites are distributed in the promoter regions proximal to the transcriptional start site (TSS). Most of the MaDREB2-binding targets contain the conserved (A/G)CC(G/C)AC motif and MaDREB2 appears to directly regulate the expression of a number of genes involved in fruit ripening. In combination with transcriptome profiling (RNA sequencing) data, our results indicate that MaDREB2 may serve as both transcriptional activator and repressor during banana fruit ripening., In conclusion, our study suggests a hierarchical regulatory model of fruit ripening in banana and that the MaDREB TFs may act as transcriptional regulators in the regulatory network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]