Studies on genetic variability in banana - Silk subgroup (AAB)

Twelve different ecotypes belonging to Silk group of banana were evaluated for 16 quantitative and qualitative characters. Bunch weight with a very high value of PCV, GCV, h² and GA makes it a prime character for direct selection. Plant height, crop duration, leaf breadth, number of leaves at shooting and plant girth with high values of heritability (h²) and moderate values of GA are other important characters which have to be considered for selection. The TSS with low values of GCV, h² and imply that it is highly influenced by the environment and should not be taken as criteria for selection.