EVALUATION OF ORNAMENTAL BANANA ACCESSIONS FOR VEGETATIVE PERFORMANCE UNDER GODAVARI ZONE OF ANDHRA PRADESH INDIA

The ornamental market in the Godavari zone of Andhra Pradesh has seen a surge in demand for unique plant species.As a result of this trend, ornamental banana could be one of those unique plant species that can fulfil the need for ornamental market demand in Godavari zone of Andhra Pradesh.This study was conducted during 2023-24, at College of Horticulture, Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Venkataramannagudem, West Godavari district to evaluate the morphological and physiological parameters of fifteen ornamental banana accessions.Number of suckers per plant recorded highest in Acc.6 (R2-92) at 60, 90, and 150 DAP, at 120 DAP, Acc.14 was observed with high sucker production per plant while the lowest sucker production per plant was observed and recorded in Acc.13 (SR9-3).Total chlorophyll content and amount of anthocyanin content in leaf was recorded highest in Acc.5 (R2-52).Number of living (functional) leaves at flower initiation and harvest were recorded in Acc.11 (SR7-7).Minimum number of living leaves at flower initiation were recorded in Acc.3 (R1-76) and at harvest in Acc.14 (Musa laterita).Longest crop duration was recorded in Acc.6 (R2-92) and shortest crop duration in Acc.10 (SR5-15) and Acc.12 (SR8-9).