Title : Genetic Diversity of Cultivated Banana in the Market Place of Ambon, Maluku Province, Indonesia
Abstract:
The study was conducted with the aims of identifying genotypes traded at the market place, describing some of the market characteristics of banana commodity, as well as observing supply chain of banana commodity in Ambon, Maluku Islands (Province), Indonesia. A survey method was used by visiting the markets, planting field (villages), related institutions, conducting observation, interviewing as well as focus group discussions (FGD) with farmers, traders, connecting traders, government officials etc. There are at least 17 genotypes of banana contain certain percentage of four different species; Musa acuminata Colla, M. balbisiana Colla, M. paradisiaca L. and M. troglodytarum L., eight genotypes belong to plantain sub- group while nine were of banana sub-group. Two genotypes were the most demanded, most frequently present in the market and with high amount of availability; Black King Banana of Musa x paradisiaca L. plantain sub-group, AAB genome, 8 hands/bunch, 25 fingers/hand, 15 cm finger length and sold for IDR 20.00 per hand, and 40 Days Banana, Musa acuminata Colla of banana sub-group, AA genome, 9 hands/bunch, 21, fingers/ hand, 12 cm finger length, sold for IDR 10.000 -15.000 per hand. Musa troglodytarum L. a species present in two different genotypes/cultivars were endemic to Maluku islands and thought to have a promising possibility for further development in food industry and to international market. However, further studies and infrastructure development are required.
