Abstract

1Payebo, C.O* and 1Ogburia, M. N

Assessment of quantitative traits is the preliminary aspect in conventional breeding to choose crossable species and consequent production of ideotypes. USTPx plantain (Musa sp.) hybrid population of 70 plants consisting of USTPx/01/01, USTPx/01/02, USTPx/01/03, USTPx/01/05, USTPx/01/06, USTPx/01/07 and landraces such as KM5 were selected for this study in which each specie was replicated ten times. All hybrids used were synthesized in the Department of Crop/Soil Science, Rivers State University, Port-Harcourt. They were subjected to physical in-situ and laboratory assessment. Data collected were arranged in Complete Randomization Design. Some baseline agronomic quantitative data were taken from all the species such as plant height, bunch weight etc. USTPx/01/05 was the tallest (2.2m) genotype and USTPx/01/01 was the shortest (1.0m) at anthesis. The bunch weight was highest (14.3kg) in USTPx/01/02 followed by (4.9kg) KM5, respectively and the other species do not possess edible fingers. An assessment of black sigatoka response of the species revealed that USTPx/01/01 is resistant while the other 6 were either less resistant or susceptible. KM5 and USTPx/01/02 should be used as potential male and female parent in any genetic plant breeding of Musa species due to inherently better quantitative traits such as high bunch weight (yield) and polleniferous capability andUSTPx/01/01 should also be used due to its polleniferous ability and apparent resistance to Sigatoka complex which can be introgressed into the cultivated (cultivar) species of Musa in order to avert yield losses as result of the disease.