Morphological characterization of ornamental Banana accessions for vegetative traits in Godavari zone of Andhra Pradesh

The present investigation conducted at College of Horticulture, Dr.Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Venkataramannagudem was aimed to assess the morphological traits of fifteen ornamental banana accessions viz., Acc.1 (R1-8), Acc.2 (R1-11), Acc.3 (R1-76), Acc.4 (R2-9), Acc.5 (R2-52), Acc.6 (R2-92), Acc.7 (MR1-4), Acc.8 (MR2-3), Acc.9 (MR2-7), Acc.10 (SR5-15), Acc.11 (SR7-7), Acc.12 (SR8-9), Acc.13 (SR9-3), Acc.14 (Musa laterita) and Acc.15 (Musa ornata) under Godavari zone of Andhra Pradesh. Vegetative growth parameters such as Pseudo stem height, pseudo stem girth, underlying colour of the pseudo stem, clasping nature, petiole length, leaf length, leaf width, leaf area and petiole length were measured. Results obtained showed significant variations in all the parameters. Pseudo stem height was recorded highest in Acc.4 (R2-9) and minimum in Acc.13 at 90 and 120 DAP. Acc.6 (R2-92) recorded maximum pseudo stem girth and minimum was in Acc.13 at 30, 60, 90 and 120 DAP. Acc.7 (MR1-4) recorded maximum leaf length and leaf area from 30 DAP to 120 DAP and minimum leaf length and leaf area were recorded in Acc.13 at 90 and 120 DAP. Maximum leaf width was registered in Acc.7 at 60, 90 and 120 DAP and minimum was recorded in Acc.13. Acc.4 (R2-9) had longest petiole while, shortest was in Acc.14 (Musa laterita) as compared to all the other accessions.