Researchers at Nagaland University have conducted a comprehensive study on the genetic diversity of ‘Musa sikkimensis’, a wild banana species native to the Eastern Himalayas and Northeast India. Known as the ‘Darjeeling banana’ or ‘Sikkim banana’, this species serves as a vital genetic reservoir due to its disease resistance, stress tolerance, and climate adaptability. Despite not being widely grown for edible fruit, it plays a crucial role in enhancing crop resilience and ensuring sustainable production.
The research team found that local banana germplasm shows strong adaptive potential across various environmental conditions, emphasizing its significance for conservation and future breeding programs. Nagaland, situated in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, boasts a diverse range of indigenous banana genotypes. However, factors like human activities, environmental stress, and deforestation pose a threat to many wild genotypes, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts.
The study titled ‘Exploring the Genetic Diversity of Musa sikkimensis Land Races in Nagaland’, India underscores the urgent need to safeguard endangered banana germplasm in one of the world’s richest biodiversity regions. Published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal focusing on plant and animal biology, biodiversity, ecology, and environmental conservation, the research sheds light on the necessity of preserving biodiversity.
Highlighting the significance of the research, Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of Nagaland University, praised the development of a biodiversity corridor to conserve indigenous banana germplasm facing extinction. This initiative reflects the university’s commitment to safeguarding the region’s wild flora and promoting scientific advancement rooted in local genetic resources. The study’s outcomes are expected to pave the way for future crop improvement programs by enhancing genetic resilience and ensuring nutritional security.
The study builds on various research projects focusing on banana biodiversity, germplasm mapping, and genetic resource evaluation in Nagaland. Dr. Animesh Sarkar, Associate Professor at the Department of Horticulture, Nagaland University, emphasized the role of the research in addressing conservation challenges and documenting local banana genotypes. The study’s findings highlight the potential of wild banana genetic resources in supporting climate-resilient agriculture, food security, and socio-economic development.
