'CARBAP K74': a triploid plantain-like hybrid designed to promote sustainable plantain-based cropping systems

摘要

'CARBAP K74' is a triploid plantain-like hybrid developed and selected in partnership between CARBAP and CIRAD. It results from a cross between an improved plantain-like tetraploid (AAAB) parental line and an improved cooking-type diploid (AA). Molecular studies showed that this hybrid is free of any endogenous banana streak virus (eBSV) sequence. An agronomic evaluation was performed over two crop cycles to quantify its productivity and evaluate its host reaction to pests and diseases. A first plotreceived non-limiting cropping conditions to allow it to reach its highest agronomic potential. A second plot reproduced traditional management in West and Central Africa with low inputs and traditional practices. Agronomic traits at flowering describeda robust plant with great anchorage and large green leaf area. Bunch weights ranged from 10 to 50 kg across the two cropping conditions, with an average of 16.4 kg (14 t ha 1 year1) under traditional management, and 34.3 kg (46 t ha 1 year1) for non-limiting cropping conditions. In both plots, damage assessments highlighted a lower susceptibility to major pests and diseases of plantains. The agronomic potential of 'CARBAP K74' allows the production of acceptable yields with few inputs over several cycles without replanting, which confirms its interest for smallholders as well as for agroindustry. Furthermore, fruit post-harvest traits and consumer testing showed that 'CARBAP K74' is a promising candidate for consumption and processing. Thus, 'CARBAP K74' is an innovative promising hybrid, which could help farmers to achieve agronomic performance, limit environmental impacts of banana production and confront food security issues.