Exploration, Collection, Ethnobotany and Morpho-taxonomic Characterization of Musa Germplasm from Belgaum, Dharwad and Uttara Kannada Regions of Karnataka

Parts of Belgaum, Dharwad and Uttara Kannada districts of Karnataka were surveyed for studying Musa diversity. A total of 36 accessions were collected and 14 distinct types were identified after characterization using minimum descriptor. Ethnobotanical observations were recorded on some wild Musa types in the region. The 14 accessions were planted in field gene bank and characterized for morpho-taxonomic and biometric traits. Results indicated that the 14 accessions belonged to nine distinct groups and subgroups. Their names, synonyms and genomic status have been identified and reported. Biometric data suggested that there is a lot of variability for all the traits studied. Survey for disease occurrence revealed that banana bunchy top virus (BBTV), Banana streak virus (BSV) and Sigatoka Leaf Spot are the major diseases, while nematodes and pseudostem weevil are important insect-pests occurring on Musa accessions collected from the three districts.