English abstract
Banana (Musa Spp.) is the 2nd most important fruit crop in Oman after date palm in terms of area and production. Due to emergence of serious diseases around the world, banana cultivation is threatened in many countries including Oman. Seven genotypes (diploids, triploids and tetraploid hybrids) of Musa Spp. were introduced from the International Network for the Improvement of Banana and Plantain 'INIBAP', a program under the Bioversity International, for evaluation under the growing conditions of Oman. These exotic varieties that included 'SH 3436-9', 'FHIA-21', 'FHIA-03', 'FHIA-18', 'SH 3640', 'FHIA-25' and 'FHIA-23' were evaluated for preharvest and postharvest characteristics. In this study, postharvest physicochemical, morphological and physiological characteristics of the introduced exotic banana varieties were studied and compared with the locally grown Williams' variety at Sohar Research Farm, in Al-Batinah Region of the Sultanate of Oman.
The introduced genotypes showed variations in the measured postharvest characteristics. 'FHIA-25' excelled in bunch weight, number of hands and number of fingers followed by 'FHIA-18'. However, 'SH 3640' had poor performance regarding these characteristics. The varieties 'FHIA-25', 'FHIA18', 'FHIA-21' and 'FHIA-03' yielded higher than "Williams'. With regards to physical properties of the varieties, 'FHIA-21' and 'FHIA-18' had the hardest texture, whereas, the soft texture of 'FHIA-25' fruits led to rapid softening during storage. 'FHIA-21', 'SH 3436-9', 'FHIA-18', 'FHIA-03' and 'Williams' had the highest TSS level. All the evaluated banana varieties gave a pH less than 5 except 'FHIA-23. 'SH 3436' and 'SH 3640' had higher (TSSI Acid ratio) compared to the varieties.
Among the studied varieties, pulp weight was highest in 'FHIA-21' and lowest in 'FHIA-23'. 'FHIA-23' had highest edible portion. 'FHIA-03' and 'FHIA-18' had the thickest peel, whereas 'SH 3640' and 'FHIA-23' showed the thinnest pulp. 'FHIA-21' had the minimum pulp moisture content and the highest peel moisture content. Pulp dry matter content was highest in 'FHIA-21', while the variation in peel dry matter was limited. As the positive correlation showed, the very firm pulp texture of 'FHIA-21' contributed to the relatively long shelf life. While, 'SH 3640' and 'FHIA-25' presented a short postharvesting period. 'FHIA-23', 'FHIA-03' and 'Williams' had a green life more than two weeks compared with the others.
Each variety presented positive and some negative characteristics as well. 'FHIA-18' and 'FHIA-03' showed excellent bunch and finger characteristics but highly susceptible to finger drop. In contrast, 'SH 3640' had an average bunch and fingers characteristics but had the highest TSSI Acid. Among all studied varieties, 'SH 3436-9' was the most similar to 'Williams' variety in terms of bunch weight, overall yield and fruit characteristics. 'FHIA-03' and 'FHIA-18'
showed similarities in terms of bunch and finger characteristics. Thus, based on desired characteristics and qualities, it is recommended to introduce 'FHIA18', 'FHIA-03' and 'FHIA-21' in Oman, especially in view of the steady expansion of some serious pests and diseases in neighboring countries.
