Genetic Conservation, Characterization and Land Suitability Modelling of Banana (Musa Spp.) Cultivars in Zimbabwe

Abstract

Banana farming in Zimbabwe is a way of survival to Zimbabweans, especially in the Manicaland province of the country. Genetic and phenotypic analysis of banana varieties and cultivars paves the way for genetic conservation and improvement programs. Meaningful yields remain low owing to the high cost of propagules which are virus-free, and the absence of well characterized germplasm banks. Towards improving the yield and conserving banana genetic material in Zimbabwe, this study established a germplasm bank of banana plants characterized for genetic make-up, nutritional composition, and morpho-agronomical traits. It also modelled the suitability of banana expansion to new production areas whilst mapping out the geo-spatial distribution of bananas nationwide. Twelve banana germplasm varieties were collected nationwide, and a gene bank was established in situ at Chinhoyi University farm. A germplasm bank was established with 4 reps of each variety. The germplasm was then clustered into 7 distinct varieties using Random Amplified Polymorphism DNA method as well as the Inter Transcribed Spacer targeted sequencing. Growth and development characteristics of the established plants were recorded for 24 months from their planting to capture the vegetative and reproductive phases of the plants. The inflorescence of each variety gave a clear distinction between varieties. Each of the cultivars’ fruits were subjected to nutritional analysis. The fruits were dried and ground into flour before chemical and physical properties were analysed. The different cultivars were then subjected to tissue culture over a period of 90 days and virus-free banana plantlets were produced. Furthermore, banana production sites were mapped out and new production areas were modelled and estimated in Maximum Entropy. In conclusion, the research offered a well-annotated gene bank with characterized, catalogued, and mapped banana cultivars that can also be mass-produced and commercialized in tissue culture at the Chinhoyi University of Technology.