SCS451 Catarina – A new banana plant cultivar of the Pomme subgroup

Abstract

The major problems in the Pomme subgroup of banana cultivars are excessive plant size, small yield and susceptibility to Panama Wilt and to Sigatoka disease. The frequency of natural mutation is high on the Santa Catarina State coast, which is characterized by humid subtropical climate. The Santa Catarina Rural Extension and Agricultural Research Agency (Epagri) has been selecting banana cultivars showing medium size, higher yield and natural resistance against diseases, cold temperatures and wind. This study resulted in cultivar SC451 Catarina, which, if compared to the Prata Anã, showed 20% higher yield, bigger fruits with bright peel and greater tolerance to Panama Wilt. With medium size and good resistance to cold temperature and wind, the new cultivar is very similar to Prata Anã.