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Two new species of ornamental banana, namely Musa siangensis Taid, S.S. Singh et Gajurel and Musa bracteata S.S. Singh, Gajurel et Taid collected in Arunachal Pradesh, India, are described. Morphologically, both the new species are close to Musa arunachalensis A. Joe, Sreejith et M. Sabu. Morphological characters are described and illustrated with colour photographs for easy recognition. A key to the closely related species and a table of comparison enumerating selected morphological characters are also provided. The new species are further supported by molecular rbcL sequence data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was carried out in Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas with the objective of evaluating effect of different biostimulants on banana (Musa AAB) var. Dominican Harton through drench application to increase root development; for this purpose, 10 treatments were established including the witness and in turn resulted from the factorial interaction A (Biostimulants) and B (Dose): Treatments T1 (Biosolar, 7,5 ml), T2 (Biosolar, 5,0 ml), T3 (Biosolar, 2,5 ml), T4 (Seaweed extract, 7,5 ml), T5 (Seaweed extract, 5,0 ml), T6 (Seaweed extract, 2,5 ml), T7 (Vital Humus, 7,5 ml), T8 (Vital Humus, 5,0 ml), T9 (Vital Humus, 2,5 ml), T10 (witness) implemented in a completely randomized experimental design (DCA) with factorial arrangement AxB+N, the variables evaluated were:, number of roots at harvest and root fresh weight at harvest. The results showed that Treatment 4 (Seaweed Extract at high dosage) (7,5 ml), achieved a higher number of roots (60,75) per plantain (Musa AAB) var. Dominican Harton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and production of bananas are influenced by spatio-temporal edaphoclimatic conditions, which explains in a certain way the heterogeneous response that occurs on the farms, highlighting the need to generate information regarding the morphological characteristics of fruit for taking corrective actions that entail to increased productivity. The objective of this research was to carry out an analysis of production, taking into account the quantifiable variables through bunches profiling. 98,956 bunches recorded in a period of 108 weeks between 2021 and 2022 were analyzed in ten farms of two banana groups in Urabá-Antioquia, in the municipalities of Turbo, Apartadó and Carepa. Variables such as: cluster age, cluster weight, number of hands, basal-apical calibration, basal-apical length, removal of fingers and hands in the field. The R 4.2.1 software was used, with which a Spearman correlation, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was obtained and for comparison of means, a Kruskal post-hoc was done. Statistical differences were identified (p-value<2.2e-16) and the highest correlations were between age-weight (0.24), age-basal calibration (0.23) and number of hands-weight (0.45). These results indicate that harvest profiling is a practical and agile method that allows quantifying morphological variables of the bunches, making yield projections and adjusting agronomic management depending on the specifications of the marketer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enormous perennial monocotyledonous herb banana (Musa spp.), which includes dessert and cooking varieties, is found in more than 120 countries and is a member of the order Zingiberales and family Musaceae. The production of bananas requires a certain amount of precipitation throughout the year, and its scarcity reduces productivity in rain-fed banana-growing areas due to drought stress. To increase the tolerance of banana crops to drought stress, it is necessary to explore crop wild relatives (CWRs) of banana. Although molecular genetic pathways involved in drought stress tolerance of cultivated banana have been uncovered and understood with the introduction of high-throughput DNA sequencing technology, next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques, and numerous "omics" tools, unfortunately, such approaches have not been thoroughly implemented to utilize the huge potential of wild genetic resources of banana. In India, the northeastern region has been reported to have the highest diversity and distribution of Musaceae, with more than 30 taxa, 19 of which are unique to the area, accounting for around 81% of all wild species. As a result, the area is regarded as one of the main locations of origin for the Musaceae family. The understanding of the response of the banana genotypes of northeastern India belonging to different genome groups to water deficit stress at the molecular level will be useful for developing and improving drought tolerance in commercial banana cultivars not only in India but also worldwide. Hence, in the present review, we discuss the studies conducted to observe the effect of drought stress on different banana species. Moreover, the article highlights the tools and techniques that have been used or that can be used for exploring and understanding the molecular basis of differentially regulated genes and their networks in different drought stress-tolerant banana genotypes of northeast India, especially wild types, for unraveling their potential novel traits and genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are several studies on the DNA barcoding of banana worldwide, however studies on the DNA barcoding of Indonesian bananas are limited. This study aims to develop a DNA reference library of the Indonesian banana species, varieties and cultivars to reconstruct phylogenetic trees, and to identify and understand genetic relationships between varieties and cultivars using three barcoding markers (rbcL, matK and trnL-F). A total of 26 accessions of banana were amplified and sequenced using these primers. Maximum likelihood (ML) and maximum parsimony (MP) were conducted on these sequences with addition of 9 accessions (rbcL), 13 accessions (matK) and 14 accessions (trnL-F) from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank. The aligned sequences were measured for genetic distances. The results showed that all markers were significant to differentiate among the A and B genomes. All markers resulted in a tree that contained two distinctive clades supported by high bootstrap value (> 50%). The rbcL marker was the most conserved, followed by matK and trnL-F. The rbcL marker can only be used to distinguish generic level, while matK and trnL-F can be used at species level. All markers cannot be used to identify subspecific, variety and cultivar levels. However, the markers are able to suggest the genome of the maternal parent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banana (Musa spp.) is one of the main fruits consumed worldwide. However, finger drop, is a physiological disorder that causes many postharvest problems, which eventually reduces market value and consumer acceptance. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate the anatomical changes that occur in the pedicel rupture area (drop zone) of bananas diploids (BB França) and tetraploid (BRS Pioneira) in three ripening stages. The levels of gene expression involved in the natural ripening process and in the development of finger drop, was also investigated. The accumulation of their mRNAs and those of expansin (EXP1), pectate lyase (PEL1) and xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase protein (XTH4) genes already isolated from bananas were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in three ripening stages. BB França presented a higher resistance to finger drop due to the presence of some specific morphoanatomical characteristics, such as larger parenchymal cells and greater deposition of lignin. In contrast, there was degeneration of the pedicel parenchymal tissue of the BRS Pioneira genotype, forming large empty spaces during the ripening of the fruits, mainly in stage 6, which contributed to the finger drop. The diploid BB França is a strong candidate for use in banana breeding programs aimed at fruit drop resistance. This will certainly improve the quality of banana varieties. Moreover, PEL1 proved to be an excellent candidate gene for functional studies of finger drop in bananas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Musa beccarii (Musaceae) is a banana species native to Borneo, sometimes grown as an ornamental plant. The basic chromosome number of Musa species is x = 7, 10, or 11; however, M. beccarii has a basic chromosome number of x = 9 (2n = 2x = 18), which is the same basic chromosome number of species in the sister genera Ensete and Musella. Musa beccarii is in the section Callimusa , which is sister to the section Musa. We generated a high-quality chromosome-scale genome assembly of M. beccarii to better understand the evolution and diversity of genomes within the family Musaceae. Findings The M. beccarii genome was assembled by long-read and Hi-C sequencing, and genes were annotated using both long Iso-seq and short RNA-seq reads. The size of M. beccarii was the largest among all known Musaceae assemblies (∼570 Mbp) due to the expansion of transposable elements and increased 45S ribosomal DNA sites. By synteny analysis, we detected extensive genome-wide chromosome fusions and fissions between M. beccarii and the other Musa and Ensete species, far beyond those expected from differences in chromosome number. Within Musaceae, M. beccarii showed a reduced number of terpenoid synthase genes, which are related to chemical defense, and enrichment in lipid metabolism genes linked to the physical defense of the cell wall. Furthermore, type III polyketide synthase was the most abundant biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) in M. beccarii. BGCs were not conserved in Musaceae genomes. Conclusions The genome assembly of M. beccarii is the first chromosome-scale genome assembly in the Callimusa section in Musa , which provides an important genetic resource that aids our understanding of the evolution of Musaceae genomes and enhances our knowledge of the pangenome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To identify symbiosis between roots and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (HMA), methodologies have been reported with variations in concentrations of reagents, temperature, and time of exposure for staining, which does not always adjust to the need for specific cultures due to variation in root structures. The objective of this research was to standardize a methodology to identify mycorrhizal colonization in banana crops in an efficient way. The research was carried out during the second semester of 2022 in the municipality of Apartadó-Antioquia. Four treatments were established that consisted of the evaluation with and without mycorrhizal inoculation with two bleaching techniques each (with and without subjection to Bain Marie). A total of 108 plates (54/technique) were evaluated, where percentage of colonization, visibility, vesicles and arbuscules were identified. There was a complete randomized design. Data were analyzed with R Studio 2022.02 software. An ANAVA and means separations were obtained with a post-hoc analysis of Tukey and Kruskal-Wallis with a confidence level of 95%. Symbiosis was found in all cases, statistical differences were identified in percentage of colonization with 46.8% to 90.2%; arbuscules from 12.1 to 338.0 units and a visibility percentage of 100% in treatments subjected to a Bain Marie, highlighting the need for subjecting banana roots to heat to favor discoloration, staining and visibility due to their architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the characterization of the starch of striped pompo plantain extracted by the wet method was carried out. The material obtained was characterized according to its physicochemical properties such as moisture content, crude fiber and amylose/amylopectin ratio, and additionally its functional properties were studied: whiteness index (IB), water absorption index (IAA), water solubility index (ISA) and swelling power (PH). The results indicate that the amylose percentage was approximately 30.2%, a percentage within the range found for musaceae, since the amylose content depends on the botanical origin. On the other hand, it presents a high fiber content of 6.68%, higher than that found for other varieties of plantain, which are between 2.5 - 4.0%. The study of the functional properties of the material obtained shows a higher whiteness index compared to other musaceae. The values for IAA that are accepted by FAO range from 0.82 to 15.52. However, for ISA, low indexes close to 0.333 were found. The PH is a parameter that goes hand in hand with the IAA and, consequently, shows the same behavior, which made it possible to establish that the starch to be treated was found to be within the ranges considered to be of good quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seeds of Ensete superbum have been used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat kidney stones and diabetes. The current work report the synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their antibacterial property. The synthesis of AgNPs was done by mixing silver nitrate solution with aqueous E. superbum seed extract. The pale-yellow colour of the seed extract was changed to deep brown due to the reduction of silver ions to AgNPs, under ambient conditions. The characterization of AgNPs was carried out by UV–Visible spectroscopy, TEM, XRD, and FTIR. The peak absorbance of the UV–Vis spectra was at 420 nm confirming the formation of AgNPs. TEM showed the existence of spherical and hexagonal-shaped nanoparticles. XRD results show that the AgNPs were face-centered cubic (fcc) lattices. FTIR analysis established a link that the presence of different classes of compounds viz. flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, and terpenoids in E. superbum seed extract is responsible for the reduction and stabilization of AgNPs. The current study aims to point out the application of AgNPs as an antibacterial agent against S. typhi, P. aeruginosa, K. pneumoniae, and V. cholerae, using the well diffusion method. The AgNPs effectively inhibited bacterial growth against P. aeruginosa and S. typhi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Musaceae is an economically important family consisting of 70-80 species. Elucidation of the interspecific relationships of this family is essential for a more efficient conservation and utilization of genetic resources for banana improvement. However, the scarcity of herbarium specimens and quality molecular markers have limited our understanding of the phylogenetic relationships in wild species of Musaceae. Aiming at improving the phylogenetic resolution of Musaceae, we analyzed a comprehensive set of 49 plastomes for 48 species/subspecies representing all three genera of this family. Results: Musaceae plastomes have a relatively well-conserved genomic size and gene content, with a full length ranging from 166,782 bp to 172,514 bp. Variations in the IR borders were found to show phylogenetic signals to a certain extent in Musa. Codon usage bias analysis showed different preferences for the same codon between species and three genera and a common preference for A/T-ending codons. Among the two genes detected under positive selection (dN/dS > 1), ycf2 was indicated under an intensive positive selection. The divergent hotspot analysis allowed the identification of four regions (ndhF-trnL, ndhF, matK-rps16, and accD) as specific DNA barcodes for Musaceae species. Bayesian and maximum likelihood phylogenetic analyses using full plastome resulted in nearly identical tree topologies with highly supported relationships between species. The monospecies genus Musella is sister to Ensete, and the genus Musa was divided into two large clades, which corresponded well to the basic number of n = x = 11 and n = x =10/9/7, respectively. Four subclades were divided within the genus Musa. A dating analysis covering the whole Zingiberales indicated that the divergence of Musaceae family originated in the Palaeocene (59.19 Ma), and the genus Musa diverged into two clades in the Eocene (50.70 Ma) and then started to diversify from the late Oligocene (29.92 Ma) to the late Miocene. Two lineages (Rhodochlamys and Australimusa) radiated recently in the Pliocene /Pleistocene periods. Conclusions: The plastome sequences performed well in resolving the phylogenetic relationships of Musaceae and generated new insights into its evolution. Plastome sequences provided valuable resources for population genetics and phylogenetics at lower taxon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bananas (Musaceae) are one of the world's most common fruit crops and the oldest medicinal plants that are used to treat a variety of infections. There has been recent interest in elucidating the efficiency of the naturally active ingredients, particularly the antimicrobials, in this plant. This review begins with a short background of the banana plant and its cultivars as well as a brief description of its parts. Different experimental tests of the antimicrobial effects and the responsible bioactive compounds of the banana part extracts are then elaborated. A variety of recent and evolving applications of banana parts in the development of functional bakery, dairy, beverage, and meat products as a wheat substitute, fiber/prebiotic source, fat/sucrose substitute, and natural antioxidant are also discussed. Finally, the recent challenges and opportunities presented by different banana parts in creating bio‐packaging materials and bactericidal nanoparticles are addressed. This plant contains a variety of antimicrobial substances, including dopamine, gentisic acid, ferulic acid, lupeol, and 3‐carene. However, few studies have been conducted on its use as a bio‐preservative in food products; it should also be seen as a natural source of both antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. It offers a potentially simple eco‐friendly alternative to antibacterial and fungicidal agents rather than chemicals. Low cost, reliable methods for purifying these compounds from banana waste could be useful for food storage and creating more value‐added bio‐packaging products for perishable food goods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Crop wild relatives (CWR) are an essential source of genetic material for the improvement of certain traits in related crop species. Despite their importance, increasing public, scientific and political support, large gaps exist in the amount of genetic material collected and conserved of many CWR. Here, we construct a dataset on the distribution of wild banana species (Musa spp.) and assess their risk and conservation status. We deal with the following questions: (a) What areas are potentially suitable for wild banana species? (b) How much of the wild banana diversity is currently at risk or insufficiently conserved ex and in situ? Location: Native distribution area of wild banana species, ranging from the north‐eastern states of India to north‐eastern Australia. Methods: We assessed the potential environmental range of wild species using a species distribution modelling approach with MaxEnt. Extinction risk was evaluated following IUCN criterion B, and the ex and in situ conservation status was assessed using an indicator for biodiversity and sustainable development targets. Results: We found that 11 out of 59 assessed species can be considered as vulnerable and nine as endangered. Highest species richness was found along the border of south China and northern Vietnam, in the north‐eastern states of India and on the Malayan peninsula. Our distribution modelling approach indicates that the northern Indo‐Burmese region has the highest environmental suitability for most wild banana species and that lowland rain forests in general are highly suitable for bananas. Assessment of in and ex situ conservation status indicates that 56 out of 59 assessed species are currently insufficiently conserved ex situ and that 49 are of high priority for further conservation. Additional in situ conservation is of high priority for six species and of medium priority for 40 species. Main conclusions: To date, little of the banana CWR are sufficiently conserved both in and ex situ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banana is produced mainly by smallholder farmers and considered a staple food in many developing countries. This study aimed to evaluate the diversity and population densities of mites in plants of Musa AAA (Cavendish subgroup) cv. Williams in Peru. Mites were collected every fortnight for 14 months (February 2016 to March 2017) from a banana crop system located at the Universidad Nacional de Piura, northwestern Peru. The following species were found: Tetranychus abacae (Tetranychidae), Neoseiulus fallacoides and Euseius concordis (Phytoseiidae). This is the first report for T. abacae and N. fallacoides in Peru. The most abundant mite was T. abacae, which was found in all evaluations and had the lowest populations between June and August, corresponding to the winter time locally. Both N. fallacoides and E. concordis were found in very low numbers. Knowing mite species in banana plants is essential for a proper crop management, mainly for pest control strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The indicators related to the Regulatory, Provisioning and Cultural Ecosystem Services were mapped, based on semi-structured interviews of owners and Administrators of 32 farms with banana crops, in Quindío Colombia. Three visits were made per site and ethnographic methods were used as a means of data collection, such as dialogue, approach to farmers and their families and semi-structured interviews. Aerial photographs were taken, in order to effect the division of the lots. In these lots, the geospatial position of the SE indicators was considered. The maps were created by means of the Argis 10.1.1 software, a Geographic Information System (GIS) tool. The combination of the participatory mapping of the indicators associated with the ecosystem services, with the GIS tool and the hierarchical analysis of clusters, allowed the grouping of the farms, facilitating the identification of the lots in which both threats and strengths in the generation of said services are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dead leaves of Musa sp. (banana) were collected in northern Thailand during an investigation of saprobic fungi. Preliminary morphological observations revealed that three specimens belong to Dictyoarthrinium. Phylogenetic analyses of combined SSU, LSU, ITS and tef1-a sequence data revealed that Dictyoarthrinium forms a clade in Didymosphaeriaceae (Massarineae, Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes) sister to Spegazzinia. Based on contrasting morphological features with the extant taxa of Dictyoarthrinium, coupled with the multigene analyses, Dictyoarthrinium musae sp. nov. is introduced herein. Our study provides the first detailed molecular investigation for Dictyoarthrinium and supports its placement in Didymosphaeriaceae (Massarineae, Pleosporales, Dothideomycetes). Previously, Dictyoarthrinium was classified in Apiosporaceae (Xylariales, Sordariomycetes). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of a standardized protocol to efficiently capture flower chafer beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Cetoniinae) in the wild limits studies regarding the ecology of the group, as well as systematic collections seeking species surveys for taxonomic studies, especially in the Neotropical region. We investigate the efficiency of different baits to capture flower chafer beetles in the Brazilian Cerrado: (i) banana; (ii) banana + sugarcane juice; (iii) pineapple; (iv) pineapple + sugarcane juice; (v) sugarcane juice; or (vi) water (control). From January to December 2014, we sampled these beetles using a typical aerial fruit-baited trap, every 15 days in ten sites of Brazilian Cerrado, in Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Traps baited with banana + sugarcane juice, pineapple + sugarcane juice and sugarcane juice alone sampled the greatest species richness and abundance of flower chafer beetles when compared to the other baits used. Our results indicated the importance of sugarcane juice, either used in isolation or as a coadjutant in the fermentation process of the tested fruits for efficient sampling of flower chafer beetle biodiversity. Finally, studies that investigate the addition of other substances in the fermentation process of the fruits, as well as the attractiveness of other native or exotic fruits that are widely distributed in the Neotropical region, can advance our knowledge of sampling of these beetles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperhydricity is a physiological disorder impacting plant growth and multiplication and acclimatization of regenerated plantlets. We report the use of calcium nitrate for reversion and acclimatization of banana 'Grand Naine' hyperhydric shoots cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium containing agar or gellan. Although 100% rooting of hyperhydric shoots occurred at all concentrations of calcium nitrate, only 50% rooting was recorded in the absence of calcium nitrate. Electrolyte leakage decreased significantly in the reverted banana tissues compared with the hyperhydric tissues. Histochemical staining for reactive oxygen species indicated that reverted banana tissues possess lower levels of both hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide (O2 -) than do hyperhydric tissues. Rooting, growth, and survival of the reverted banana plantlets were significantly influenced by calcium nitrate concentrations as well as the type of gelling agent. Reverted banana plantlets in medium containing calcium nitrate (0.5-1 g·L-1)were acclimatized with 100%survival in a growing substrate of peatmoss and vermiculite (1:1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Llanos Orientales has traditionally been one of the most productive plantain regions. However, farmer´s classification has always been as small (1-5 ha), medium (6-15 ha) and big (>15 ha) according to the planting area, without considering any other technical or economic criteria that would allow to differentiate plantain farmers in this area of the country. A economic, technical and social characterization of plantain producers in the departments of Meta, Casanare and Arauca was done based on a survey in the municipalities of Granada and Fuentedeoro in Meta, Yopal and Pore in Casanare, Tame and Saravena in Arauca. The survey addressed all crop technical factors from soil preparation to post-harvest of plantain. Data analysis resulted in the following farmer´s typologies: 1. Producers with high productivity, technology and financial investment; 2. Producers with medium productivity, high technology and intermediate financial investment; 3. Producers with medium to low productivity, low technology and low financial investment and 4. Producers with low productivity, low technology and low financial investment. The results defined critical points for each typology and the facts to design work and research plans required to improve the production system for each type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El bananito es apetecido en diferentes escenarios comerciales nacional y mundial; sin embargo, la disponibilidad y el acceso a semilla con calidad es escasa. Un mecanismo para aumentar la oferta de este clon es a través de la multiplicación de plántulas en cámaras térmicas. Se seleccionaron 10 tratamientos producto de la combinación de dos factores (fertilización y peso del cormo); T1: con fertilización, cormo 50-100 g; T2: con fertilización, cormo 100-200 g; T3: con fertilización, cormo 200-300 g ;T4: con fertilización, cormo 300-700 g; T5: con fertilización, cormo 700-1.000 g; T6: sin fertilización, cormo 50-100 g; T7: sin fertilización, cormo 100-200 g; T8: sin fertilización, cormo 200-300 g; T9: sin fertilización, cormo 300-700 g y T10: sin fertilización, cormo 700-1.000 g. Se evaluaron las variables altura del colino, grosor del pseudotallo y número de hojas. En 6 semanas de evaluación se encontró que el principal efecto se produjo por el peso del cormo, donde aquellos con pesos ≥300g presentaron los mejores valores para las variables evaluadas, siendo los cormos entre 300 a 700 g los que expresaron las mejores características en cuanto a la propagación. Por su parte, la fertilización solo presentó diferencias entre tratamientos en el número de hojas. Esta información, aportará criterios importantes para implementar un proceso de multiplicación de semilla ya sea para autoabastecimiento o como una posible opción de negocio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Annealing did not affect diffraction patterns of banana flour. • Heat moisture treatment (HMT) and dual retrogradation (DR) changed the crystal type. • Relative crystallinity played a role in the change of flour pasting temperature. • Crystal type and granule morphology contributed to the extent of digestibility. • Compact granule surface led to high resistant stach content. Abstract The effect of heat moisture treatment (HMT), annealing (ANN), and dual retrogradation (DR) on functional and pasting properties, digestibility of starch components of banana flour comprising rapidly digestible starch (RDS), slowly digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch (RS) has been investigated, using native banana flour (NBF) as a control. Crystal type, relative crystallinity and morphological changes were characterised by XRD and SEM. HMT has markedly modified the pasting properties and resulted in the highest SDS content. HMT and ANN increased the relative crystallinity but DR decreased it. HMT and DR altered XRD patterns from B to A and A + B type respectively, while ANN did not change the XRD patterns. The NBF compact granule surface remained unchanged with ANN but changed to a more porous surface with HMT and DR, thereby increasing the digestibility. Crystal type and granule morphology affected the digestibility while relative crystallinity might change the pasting point. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a biogeographic analysis of Musaceae, emphasizing the importance of the fossil record to understand the early evolutionary history of the family. Plastid and nuclear DNA sequences were used to estimate divergence times with a Bayesian uncorrelated, lognormal relaxed-clock approach. Ancestral areas were reconstructed using the statistical dispersal-extinction-cladogenesis method under two models: one including and one excluding the fossil distribution. Molecular dating and integration of biogeographic reconstructions suggest a boreotropical origin for Musaceae across the landmasses of North America+Europe+Asia, with its diversification occurring through the Cretaceous / Palaeogene (K/Pg) (45.9–80.1 Mya; 95% HPD) and subsequent diversification occurring in southern South-east Asia. Comparison of the two models showed that biogeographic analysis based only on living species does not provide a complete reconstruction of the evolutionary history. We hypothesize that North America and Europe may be considered the grave of the more ancient lineages of Musaceae and tropical Asia as the cradle of more recent lineages of the family. The incorporation of fossil information in ancestral reconstructions improves the biogeographical history and expands hypotheses about the early evolution of Musaceae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The cultivation of bananas and other plants is limited by environmental stresses caused by climate change. In order to recognize physiological, biochemical and molecular components indicated to confer tolerance to water stress in Musa spp. we present the first systematic review on the topic. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using four databases for academic research (Google Academic, Springer, CAPES Journal Portal and PubMed Central). In order to avoid publication bias, a previously established protocol and inclusion and exclusion criteria were used. Results: The drought tolerance response is genotype-dependent, therefore the most studied varieties are constituted by the “B” genome. Tolerant plants are capable of super-expressing genes related to reisistance and defense response, maintaining the osmotic equilibrium and elimination of free radicals. Furthermore, they have higher amounts of water content, chlorophyll levels, stomatic conductance and dry root matter, when compared to susceptible plants. Conclusions: In recent years, few integrated studies on the effects of water stress on bananas have been carried out and none related to flood stress. Therefore, we highlight the need for new studies on the mechanisms of differentially expressed proteins in response to stress regulation, post-translational mechanisms and epigenetic inheritance in bananas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banana (Musa spp.) is one the most important agriculture commodities in Indonesia. Archeological and molecular evidences suggest that speciation of this herb occurred in Indonesia, leading to the high diversity in the archipelago. In Bali Island, banana is not only sought for food but as well as for their symbolic role in religious and cultural ceremonies. However, the high demand for bananas in Bali is not yet supported by the adequate production of local farms. This presented study aimed to investigate the diversity of banana cultivars or sub-species in Bali and its usefulness to determine preferable cultivars to cultivate. We recorded and characterized 43 banana cultivars in 10 villages that represent the 8 regencies and 1 city of Bali province. Out of the 43 cultivars, 7 were highly used and at least one cultivar was discovered in each of the studied village. The presence of these cultivars in the study areas were confirmed by site visit and characterization of the fruits. Among the highly ranked cultivars or species, only biu kayu is unique to Bali as it was not found in the closest provinces of East Java and Madura. Hence, the results suggested that to improve the cultivation and production of these 7 highly used cultivars could be an appropriate solution to meet Bali demand of bananas. Furthermore, cultivating biu kayu would also help conservation effort since this cultivar is also currently listed as a rare genetic resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sucker production of important clones belonging to different ploidy levels and genomic groups were assessed in three different planting seasons at Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, India. The study revealed that morphological characters such as plant height, collar girth, and total number of leaves recorded very strong, significant, and positive correlation with sucker production characters but negative correlation was observed with average leaf production interval and bunch weight. The number of dead suckers was found to be positively correlated with plant height, collar girth, "D" leaf area, bunch weight, and average leaf production interval. In a cluster analysis, six banana varieties that were planted in different three seasons (18 entries) and their pooled data (6 entries) were grouped into four distinct clusters each. In factor/principle component analysis, the first three major factors/principle components amounted to a total of 85.9% of the variability. The communality values of the factor analysis revealed that collar girth was the major relative contributory trait for deciding the sucker yield and production in banana. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context:Terminalia chebulaRetz (Combretaceae) andMusa balbisianaColla (Musaceae) have a traditional reputation as a male contraceptive. Objective:To determine the hypo-testicular activity of aqueous extracts ofTerminalia chebula(fruit) andMusa balbisiana(seed) separately, and in composite manner at the ratio of 1:1 named as ‘Contracept-TM’ compared to cyproterone acetate (CPA), for developing a polyherbal contraceptive. Materials and methods:The separate extract of above said plants or ‘Contracept-TM’ at the dose of 40 mg/100 g body weight of rat/day or CPA at 2 mg/100 g body weight of rat/day was administered for 28 days. Spermiological, androgenic and oxidative stress sensors, LD50and ED50/100 g body weight values were measured. Results:Treatment of individual, ‘Contracept-TM’ or CPA resulted significant decrease in the count of spermatogonia A (36.36–49.09%), pre-leptotene spermatocyte (19.11–55.30%), mid-pachytene spermatocyte (28.65–47.28%) and step 7 spermatid (29.65–51.59%). Activities of testicular Δ5, 3β (21.25–48.02%),17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (29.75–55.08%), catalase (19.06–43.29%) and peroxidase (30.76–62.82%), levels of testosterone (28.15–63.44%), testicular cholesterol (19.61–49.33%), conjugated diene (29.69–84.99%) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (41.25–86.73%) were elevated compare to the control. The ED50and LD50values were 40 mg and 5.8 g (T. chebula), 48 mg and 6.3 g (M. bulbisiana), 40 mg and 6.0 g (‘Contracept-TM’), respectively. Discussion and conclusion:The said spermiological and androgenic sensors’ levels were decreased significantly by ‘Contracept-TM’ than its constitutional individual plant extract and it may be comparable to standard anti-testicular drug like CPA. So, it may be concluded that above polyherbal formulation is potent for inducing hypo-testicular activity. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Context:Abnormal angiogenesis and evasion of apoptosis are hallmarks of cancer. Accordingly, anti-angiogenic and pro-apoptotic therapies are effective strategies for cancer treatment. Medicinal plants, namely,Eugenia jambolanaLam. (Myrtaceae),Musa paradisiacaL. (Musaceae), andCoccinia indicaWight & Arn. (Cucurbitaceae), have not been greatly investigated for their anticancer potential. Objective:We investigated the anti-angiogenic and pro-apoptotic efficacy of ethyl acetate (EA) andn-butanol (NB) extracts ofE. jambolana(seeds), EA extracts ofM. paradisiaca(roots) andC. indica(leaves) with respect to mammary neoplasia. Materials and methods:Effect of extracts (2–200 μg/mL) on cytotoxicity and MCF-7, MDA-MB-231 and endothelial cell (EC) proliferation andin vitroangiogenesis were evaluated by MTT,3[H]thymidine uptake and EC tube formation assays, respectively.In vivotumour proliferation, VEGF secretion and angiogenesis were assessed using the Ehrlich ascites tumour (EAT) model followed by rat corneal micro-pocket and chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assays. Apoptosis induction was assessed by morphological and cell cycle analysis. Results:EA extracts ofE. jambolanaandM. paradisiacaexhibited the highest cytotoxicity (IC5025 and 60 μg/mL), inhibited cell proliferation (up to 81%), and tube formation (83% and 76%).In vivotreatment reduced body weight (50%); cell number (16.5- and 14.7-fold), secreted VEGF (∼90%), neoangiogenesis in rat cornea (2.5- and 1.5-fold) and CAM (3- and 1.6-fold) besides EAT cells accumulation in sub-G1 phase (20% and 18.38%), respectively. Discussion and conclusion:Considering the potent anti-angiogenic and pro-apoptotic properties, lead molecules from EA extracts ofE. jambolanaandM. paradisiacacan be developed into anticancer drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This research determined the effect of four nitrogen (N) doses on the nutritional behavior of (N), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg), respectively, in banana Williams, during five plant development stages and two productive cycles. The treatments were as follows: 1) absolute control, 2) 0 N, 3) 161 kg N ha-1, 4) 321.8 kg N ha-1 and 5) 483 kg N ha-1, respectively. A multivariate approach of the differences among cycles was used to adjust the models and eliminate their individual effect, with a randomized complete block design with repeated measurements over time. There were significant differences among plant development stages, with an increase in nutrient accumulation in the banana plant, there were no differences among treatments or blocks, nor in the interaction block by treatment, but the dose of 321.8 kg of N, exhibited a fructification increase in terms of N accumulation, harvest was exceeded by the dose of 483 kg of nitrogen, Ca and Mg, were the other nutrients, which showed effect at the dose of 483 kg of N but increasing only to harvest. It was concluded that high doses of nitrogen showed a trend to increase nutrient accumulation during the development of the banana plant, but especially until fructification, with the exception of Ca and Mg, which achieved the greatest accumulation in harvest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taiwan is near the northern limit of distribution of Musaceae. To understand the genetics and extent of genetic diversity in wild bananas in Taiwan, artificial hybrids between Musa itinerans var. formosana and M. balbisiana Colla, here named Musa × formobisiana H.-L. Chiu, C.-T. Shii & T.-Y.A. Yang hybrid nov., were produced. Photos and a comparison of the characteristics of Musa × formobisiana with the parent species are provided. Voucher specimens are at the Herbarium, National Museum of Natural Science, Taiwan (TNM). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to compare the effect of vinyl ester reinforced with Musaceae fiber bundles on tribological behavior while varying the composite´s fiber content and the counter-body’s material and surface roughness. Pin-on-disc test equipment was used to slide composites while keeping the test parameters fixed. SEM images were used to identify the wear mechanisms. Results demonstrate that composites have better wear resistance than neat resin but lack a clear behavior when fiber content is increased. The best material was the composite reinforced with 10 wt% fiber. The primary wear mechanisms identified were adhesion, surface fatigue, crazing, fiber debonding and fractures. The transferred layer and debris are directly related to the discs’ roughness and not to their material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise of research. Inflorescence and flower structure in the Musaceae is unique in the Zingiberales. The inflorescence lacks the obvious cincinnus structure that characterizes the order, and the flowers are unisexual. Previous studies were conducted using cultivated varieties and were carried out with sectioned material, which does not permit accurate developmental descriptions. Developmental study of a wild species with modern methods addresses these shortcomings and provides more accurate descriptions. Methodology. Young inflorescences and flowers were collected from botanical gardens in Hawaii and Australia and critical-point dried for observation with a scanning electron microscope. Pivotal results. All shoots and inflorescences have sinistrorse (left-handed) phyllotaxy, and the sequence of flower initiation is usually correlated with this pattern. Initiation begins on the cathodic side of the hand (opposite the direction of phyllotactic rise) and progresses anodically (in the direction of phyllotactic rise). Within this general pattern, the sequence of flower initiation is variable, even within the same inflorescence. Five patterns of initiation are reported, with additional variation within each pattern. Both male and female flowers have similar early developmental patterns but diverge at the time of petal/inner androecial formation. In male flowers the anterior side of the flower develops slightly ahead of the posterior, while in female flowers the posterior side develops slightly ahead of the anterior. While consistently present in the material analyzed here, these differences are not apparent at the time of gynoecial initiation or in the mature flowers. Conclusions. The banana inflorescence is another example of how higher-level phyllotactic patterns can influence the sequence of organ initiation at lower levels. Despite variability in the sequence of flower initiation in a hand, the best interpretation of the hand remains a cincinnus. Variability in inflorescence and floral development is rarely reported and may be more common than currently supposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new species of wild banana, Musa paramjitiana L. J. Singh, from the Andaman Islands, India is described and illustrated, and its conservation status is assessed. A key to the species of Musa L. from Andaman and Nicobar Islands is also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interaction of two Sternorrhyncha species, the banana aphid (Pentalonia nigronervosa Coquerel (Hemiptera: Aphididae, Aphidinae)), vector of the banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), and the latania scale (Hemiberlesia lataniae Signoret (Hemiptera: Diaspididae, Diaspidinae)) with Musa acuminata balbisiana Colla (ABB Group) 'Bluggoe' (Musaceae) was investigated by a combination of conventional and spatially resolved analytical techniques, ¹H NMR, UHPLC-MS, and matrix-free UV-laser desorption/ionization MS imaging. After infestation, the feeding sites of P. nigronervosa on the pseudostem and the exocarp of banana fruit developed a red tinge, in which tissue-specific accumulations of phenylphenalenones were discovered. Phenylphenalenones were also detected in the black mats of sooty molds growing on the banana aphid exudates and in the dorsal scales of H. lataniae. This suggests that although these secondary metabolites play a role in the reaction of banana plants towards attack by sucking insects, an aphid and an armored scale have established mechanisms to exude these metabolites before they deploy their deleterious effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical investigation of root cultures of Xiphidium caeruleum (Haemodoraceae) resulted in the structure elucidation of five previously undescribed phenylphenalenone-type compounds, structure revision of a phenylphenalenone glucoside, and identification of nine additional constituents previously reported from other Haemodoraceae and Musaceae plants. The observed extractant-dependent metabolic profiles indicated that phenylphenalenones had been converted hydrolytically and oxidatively. Stable isotope labeling experiments extended the understanding of the phenylphenalenone pathway in plants and provided evidence for a network of biosynthetic and spontaneous conversions linking phenylphenalenones and their derivatives detected in extracts of cultured roots of this plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the most common Musaceae in Venezuela are the plantain 'Giant Harton' (Musa AAB), banana (Musa AAA) subgroup 'Cavendish', 'Cambur Manzano' ('Apple Banana') (Musa AAB) and 'Topocho Criollo' ('Bluggoe Banana') (Musa ABB). The objective of this study was to generate plantlets of 'Cambur Manzano', 'Topocho Criollo' and 'Grand Nain' (Cavendish subgroup), fruits of economic importance in Venezuela. Micropropagation was conducted in two phases: initiation and multiplication. In the initiation phase, caulinary apexes of 5 to 8 mm long were cultivated in liquid culture media with Heller bridge support (M1) and in semi-solid (M2) media. The liquid culture means offered better results, since a survival of 73.3% and a lower percentage of necrosis (0.42%) was obtained. By contrast, using the semisolid medium, the lowest values of survival (43.7) and increased necrosis explants (27.7) were recorded. Banana cultivars 'Manzano', 'Topocho Criollo' and 'Grand Nain' had similar percentages of survival, necrosis and pollution in the initiation phase. In the multiplication phase, explants consisting outbreaks 3 cm in length were taken. To evaluate the influence of the sub-culture of explants in the number of shoots, it was observed that sub-cultures had no influence on the number of outbreaks of 'Manzano' and 'Topocho Criollo'. However, in 'Grand Nain', a trend was observed toward their increase by rising the subcultures. In the multiplication phase, cultivars and subcultures did not affect survival, necrosis and pollution rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this research was to evaluate the prolific response of corms of banana cv. Williams to the application of 6-Benzylaminopurine (6-BAP) and a biostimulant based on algae extract, under thermal chamber conditions. The trial was carried out from November 2013 to April 2014 at "La Teodomira" experimental farm of the Technical University of Manabí in Ecuador. The treatments were 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BAP) at concentrations of 0, 20, 40, and 80 mg/l, and a biostimulant based on algae extract at doses of 0, 20, 40, and 80 ml/corm. Benzylaminopurine was applied in the corm and the biostimulant was applied in drench. The design used was a randomized complete block with A x B factorial treatment where 6-BAP and the biostimulant were the factors; the treatments were replicated four times, for a total of 64 experimental units. Significant differences (p≤0.0001) were detected for 6-BAP factor where the higher multiplication rate was obtained at the concentration of 40 mg/l with 47.28 plantlets/corm. There were no significant differences (p≥0.9167) neither for the biostimulant nor for the 6-BAP x biostimulant interaction (p≤0.3789). Callus tissue formation was evident from first generation (R1) sprouts. At the concentration of 80 mg/l of 6-BAP, the presence of abnormal plantlets, especially coming from callus tissue, was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical Southeast Asia, which harbors most of the Musaceae biodiversity, is one of the most species-rich regions in the world. Its high degree of endemism is shaped by the region's tectonic and climatic history, with large differences between northern Indo-Burma and the Malayan Archipelago. Here, we aim to find a link between the diversification and biogeography of Musaceae and geological history of the Southeast Asian subcontinent., The Musaceae family (including five Ensete, 45 Musa and one Musella species) was dated using a large phylogenetic framework encompassing 163 species from all Zingiberales families. Evolutionary patterns within Musaceae were inferred using ancestral area reconstruction and diversification rate analyses., All three Musaceae genera - Ensete, Musa and Musella - originated in northern Indo-Burma during the early Eocene. Musa species dispersed from 'northwest to southeast' into Southeast Asia with only few back-dispersals towards northern Indo-Burma., Musaceae colonization events of the Malayan Archipelago subcontinent are clearly linked to the geological and climatic history of the region. Musa species were only able to colonize the region east of Wallace's line after the availability of emergent land from the late Miocene onwards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diversity of wild banana species (genus Musa, listed in Flora of Java) has been revised. The present taxonomic study is based on morphological characteristics observed in the herbarium specimens deposited at the Herbarium Bogoriense (BO), living collections in the Bogor Botanical Garden, the Cibodas Botanical Garden, and during the explorations done at Mt. Salak, West Java. Eight species of Musa (Musa acuminata, M. balbisiana, M. coccinea, M. ornata, M. salaccensis, M. sanguinea, M. textilis and M. velutina) and seven infraspecific taxa of M. acuminata are recognized in Java, of which two infraspecific taxa are endemic. West Java is the center of distribution for the wild banana species in Java. Taxonomic descriptions including an identification key are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) treatments on physical and biochemical properties of Anamur bananas during shelf life period were investigated. The fruits treated with 1-MCP sustained better brightness and green color, measured with L* and cf values, respectively, than did the MAP treated and non-treated fruits. Exposure to 1-MCP delayed changes in skin color and flesh softening of bananas. CO2 production steadily increased over time, with the lowest rate in 1-MCP treated samples. The lowest ethylene production was observed in the fruits treated with 1-MCP. The PPO activity in 1-MCP and MAP treated fruit flesh was erratic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A detailed account of the genus Ensete (Musaceae) in India is presented, including a key to the two species known from the country. Updated descriptions and colour photographs of each species are provided, with notes on the phenology, ecology, distribution, cytology, morphological variation and uses. We also provide a brief history of the genus and descriptions of the two species present in India. Ensete lecongkietii is treated here as a synonym of E. superbum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notes on taxonomic identity and history of M. rubra are provided and lectotype is designated here. Detailed description, photographs and illustration are provided for easy identification. M. laterita is treated as conspecific to M. rubra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fertilizer effect model such as ternary quadratic, unary quadratic, straight line and platform model was respectively used to analyze the two-year "3414" test data collected from banana garden in Fushan Town of Hainan Province. The results showed that the optimal fertilizing amount of ternary quadratic model simulation was 0.374 kg/plant of N, 0.289 kg/plant of P2O5 and 0.891 kg/plant of K2O. According to the yield trend characteristic, the optimal fertilizing amount of unary quadratic model was 0.400kg/plant of N, 0.214 kg/plant of P2O5 and 0.901 kg/plant of KO. Thus it can be seen that only partial indices of the optimal fertilizing amount of ternary quadratic model simulation were higher than that of unary quadratic model. Considering the results, the optimal fertilizing amount of Brazil banana was 0.374-0.400 kg/plant of N, 0.214-0.289 kg/plant of P2O5 and 0.891-0.901 kg/plant of KO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The banana epidermis and in particular their stomata are conducive sites for the penetration of pathogenic fungi which can severely limit global banana production. The red pseudostem of the ornamental banana Musa acuminata ssp. zebrina cv. ‘Rowe Red’ was used to study the chemical constituents of the epidermal cell layer using matrix-free laser desorption/ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometric imaging (LDI-FT-ICR-MSI). The high resolution of this technique allowed phenylphenalenone-type compounds to be located in single plant cells. Some of these secondary metabolites were identified as constitutive compounds and found in specialized epidermal cells in banana pseudostem tissue. Especially the red paracytic stomata revealed higher signal intensities of certain phenylphenalenones than normal epidermis cells. The ease of detection of polycyclic aromatic compounds on the cellular level is discussed with regard to future investigations of plant–pathogen interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Enset (Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman; Musaceae) is a multipurpose drought-tolerant food security crop with high conservation and improvement concern in Ethiopia, where it supplements the human calorie requirements of around 20 million people. The crop also has an enormous potential in other regions of Sub-Saharan Africa, where it is known only as a wild plant. Despite its potential, genetic and genomic studies supporting breeding programs and conservation efforts are very limited. Molecular methods would substantially improve current conventional approaches. Here we report the development of the first set of SSR markers from enset, their cross-transferability to Musa spp., and their application in genetic diversity, relationship and structure assessments in wild and cultivated enset germplasm. Results: SSR markers specific to E. ventricosum were developed through pyrosequencing of an enriched genomic library. Primer pairs were designed for 217 microsatellites with a repeat size > 20 bp from 900 candidates. Primers were validated in parallel by in silico and in vitro PCR approaches. A total of 67 primer pairs successfully amplified specific loci and 59 showed polymorphism. A subset of 34 polymorphic SSR markers were used to study 70 both wild and cultivated enset accessions. A large number of alleles were detected along with a moderate to high level of genetic diversity. AMOVA revealed that intra-population allelic variations contributed more to genetic diversity than inter-population variations. UPGMA based phylogenetic analysis and Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components show that wild enset is clearly separated from cultivated enset and is more closely related to the out-group Musa spp. No cluster pattern associated with the geographical regions, where this crop is grown, was observed for enset landraces. Our results reaffirm the long tradition of extensive seed-sucker exchange between enset cultivating communities in Southern Ethiopia. Conclusion: The first set of genomic SSR markers were developed in enset. A large proportion of these markers were polymorphic and some were also transferable to related species of the genus Musa. This study demonstrated the usefulness of the markers in assessing genetic diversity and structure in enset germplasm, and provides potentially useful information for developing conservation and breeding strategies in enset. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber bundles from agricultural residues are promising sources of reinforcement for composite materials due to their technical and economic advantages. This work aims to compare the effect of variation of the fiber size, resin type and curing agent on friction and wear behavior of polymer matrix composites reinforced with fiber bundles obtained from Musaceae rachis. A pin on disc test equipment was used to study sliding of composites and steel as counter body with fixed test parameters. SEM images were used to identify the wear mechanisms. Results show that the wear resistance of composites is better than neat resin and increases when fiber size is reduced. The main wear mechanisms evidenced in all samples were adhesion, surface fatigue and crazing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Another new variety of Musa itinerans Cheesman in Taiwan is described. The morphological characteristics of the variety are otherwise similar to those of var. formosana (Warb. ex Schum.) Häkkinen & C.-L.Yeh. The principal distinction is based on the length and bending of inflorescence, and the compactness of fruit hands. The inflorescence rachis of the new variety is longer than the other two varieties, and first upwardly slanting, then curving downwards, finally pendent in the male flower regions. The fruit hands grow very compactly and apex of fruit remains distinguished floral relicts. These characteristics are stable at their habitat and Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) repository over study periods. This population is herein segregated as the new variety, M. itinerans var. chiumei H.-L. Chiu, C.-T. Shii & T.-Y.A. Yang. Photos for the varietal taxon as well as the key to all variation of Musa itinerans and Taiwanese wild bananas are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile compounds from raw and oven-cooked pulp of thefē’ibanana (Musa troglodytarum) were isolated by two different organic solvents (acetone and dichloromethane), and studied by gas chromatography/flame ionization detector (GC/FID) and GC/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). One hundred compounds were identified for the first time, according to their retention time on an apolar capillary column and their mass spectra. They are divided as follows: one sulfur compound (0.1% of the raw dichloromethane extract), four phenols (5.6–41.4%), six lactones (0.1–5.5%), ten hydrocarbons (0.2–3.1%), eleven esters (0.3–2.0%), sixteen miscellaneous compounds (6.1–76.4%), seventeen acids (1.1–43.7%), seventeen carbonyl compounds (0.2–44.3%) and eighteen alcohols (0.9–9.4%). Three compounds were found at a level greater than 1 mg/kg:p-vinyl guaiacol (1.9 mg/kg) in the rawfē’ibanana acetone extract;; 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (7.4 mg/kg) in the oven-cookedfē’ibanana acetone extract;; (E)-2-hexenal (2.4 mg/kg) andp-vinyl guaiacol (2.1 mg/kg) in the rawfē’ibanana dichloromethane extract and 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural (4.7 mg/kg) in the oven-cookedfē’ibanana dichloromethane extract. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a study which described and illustrated the banana species found in the northern region of Thailand called Musa nanensis. Topics discussed include the field sampling techniques employed by researchers, the use of the Olympus CX3 and BX43 microscopes in the analysis, and a comprehensive analysis of the results including its inflorescences, anatomical characters and morphological characteristics.

Miniemulsion technique has been widely used to prepare cross-linked starch microsphere for food application. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of miniemulsion and ultrasonic treatment on the morphological, physicochemical and thermal properties of banana starch. Results showed that the miniemulsion cross-linked banana starch ( MCBS) exhibited lower swelling power ( SP) and solubility (S) but higher gelatinisation enthalpy ( ΔHgel) than native banana starch. Ultrasonic treatment conditions (amplitude and time) did not show any significant difference in SP and ΔHgel of MCBS. Ultrasonicated MCBS showed rough surfaces and slight fragmentations without any change in particle size. At gelatinisation temperature (80 °C), the SP and S of MCBS were higher than those at 29 °C. Moreover, MCBS with ultrasonic treatment showed a lower range in the gelatinisation temperature ( ΔT) than untreated. The FT- IR spectrums revealed that MCBS were fully cross-linked and had high extent of hydrogen bonding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]