Breeding of a new early maturing and short-finger banana variety Guijiaozao 1 and its high-yield cultivation technology

ObjectiveIn the present study, new early maturing banana varieties were bred in order to provide candidate varieties for optimizing the variety structure of Guangxi and other banana cultivation areas. MethodIn the present study, mutant plants derived from Guijiao 6 plantlet in field were used and conducted reproduction and strain comparison, superior individual selection and multi-location planting. The characteristics, resistance and yield performance were observed and in-vestigated. ResultThe bred banana variety Guijiaozao 1 was characterized by moderate plant height , and 340-385 d of growth duration. Its harvesting stage shortened 15-30 d compared to Guijiao 6; the fruit finger was short and stubby, 2.7-3.1 cm shorter than that of Guijiao 6. Its pseudostem was 220.0-250.0 cm and 8.3%-16.7% shorter than that of Guijiao 6. The planting density of Guijiaozao 1 in Guangxi was 1800-1950 plant/ha. The yields per plant of Guijiaozao 1 new planting, the 1st and 2nd ratoon cropping in Wuming, Guangxi during 2011-2014 were 20.1, 25.2 and 24.3 kg/plant, equalled to 36180.0, 45360.0 and 43740.0 kg/ha respectively. The commodity rate of Guijiaozao 1 was 96.8%-99.1%. The fruit of Gui-jiaozao 1 after maturation showed golden-yellow peel and aromatic flavor, sweet and delicious taste, and its comprehensive quality was superior to Guijiao 6 and Guangxi Aijiao. Guijiaozao 1 performed no resistance to banana fusarium wilt and frost. It was better to end harvest before middle of December in Guangxi. In August, 2016, Guijiaozao 1 was certified and regis-tered by Guangxi Committee for Crop Variety Registration. ConclusionGuijiaozao 1, a moderate plant height banana va-riety, the growth duration is shorter than current main banana varieties in Guangxi. Therefore it can effectively stagger banana maturing peak stage and regulate arrangement of maturing stage. Guijiaozao 1 fruit comprehensive quality is better than Gui-jiao 6 and Guangxi Aijiao, therefore it can be promoted in south, southeast and Youjiang Valley of Guangxi.