Three TARI research centres, in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), have developed four new improved banana hybrids for food and money-making. The developed banana breeds are coded TARIBAN1, TARIBAN2, TARIBAN3, and TARIBAN4.
TARI Uyole centre director Dr. Tulole Bucheyeki said these improved hybrids are first-ever, improved banana hybrids to be officially released in the country that are resistant to the important pests and diseases ravaging the current varieties that millions of farmers across the country are growing and therefore herald a new, exciting era for banana cultivation in the country.
He said the research was a collaborative work between Tanzania agricultural research institute, local and international institutions. The hybrids that meet farmers preference were officially released after five years of evaluation in major banana growing region of Tanzania Kagera, Kilimanajro and Mbeya. Mkamilo said the new varieties are resistant to black Sigatoka leaf disease as well as banana weevils, helping farmers to achieve high yields ranging from 35 to 60 tons per ha per year. Currently, farmers average productivity is below 10 tons per ha per year, he explained.
Source: ippmedia.com