Cultivation of new banana cultivars in subtropical regions

Brazil is known worldwide as a major banana producer. This fruit is grown throughout the country including subtropical regions considered marginal for this activity. However the prevalence of traditional cultivars has been challenging due to their susceptibility to major diseases. The objective was to evaluate in the subtropical climate region of Piracicaba-SP two new tetraploid (AAAB) banana hybrids resistant to yellow Sigatoka (Mycosphaerella musicola Leach) BRS Platina and BRS Princesa comparing them with the commonly used cultivar Prata-anã (AAB). However the adoption of new banana hybrids is not determined solely by their resistance to diseases. Therefore vegetative characteristics bunch yield and its correlations cycle duration and post-harvest fruit quality must also be considered. According to the results obtained it can be concluded that the BRS Platina and BRS Princesa cultivars are more resistant to yellow Sigatoka than the Prata-anã cultivar but do not differ in terms of bunch yield.