Review of germplasm collections and agronomic research on bananas in PNG

摘要

Although Malaysia is said to be the centre of origin of bananas, nine species of Musa are found in PNG, which makes it a major secondary centre of genetic diversity of the primitive diploid cultigens and a major centre for wild banana distribution. The genetic diversity of bananas in PNG arises mainly from botanically primitive diploid cultigens amongst a large number of cultivars, which are grown specifically as staple food crops in many parts of the country. Collecting expeditions by international organisations have led to the establishment of ex situ field collections. Banana has been rated as the second most important staple food crop of PNG after sweet potato but there has been less agronomic research on banana than on sweet potato or taro. Before independence in 1975, some research was done on the potential for commercial sweet banana production in Oro (Northern) Province. After independence, research by the Department of Agriculture and Livestock focused on cooking bananas and on establishing ex situ field banana collections.