Kohima, March 3 (IANS). Researchers at Nagaland University have conducted a comprehensive study on the genetic diversity of Musa sikkimensis, a wild banana species found in the eastern Himalayas and north-eastern India. This study highlights the importance of this species in the context of climate change resilience, food security and sustainable agricultural development.
According to the research team, Musa sikkimensis is a wild seed species, commonly known as ‘Darjeeling banana’ or ‘Sikkim banana’ and serves as an important genetic reservoir.
The research found that the variety possesses important traits related to disease resistance, environmental stress tolerance and climate adaptation, making it an invaluable resource for future banana breeding and crop improvement programs. Although it is not widely grown for its edible fruits, it can play an important role in increasing crop tolerance and ensuring long-term sustainable production.
The study also revealed the strong adaptability of the local banana germplasm to diverse environmental conditions, further strengthening its usefulness for conservation and future breeding initiatives.
Located in the India-Burma biodiversity hotspot, Nagaland is known for its rich diversity of indigenous banana varieties. However, many wild varieties are facing the threat of extinction due to increasing human activities, environmental pressure, and deforestation.
In such a situation, this research published with the title ‘Discovery of genetic diversity of local species of Musa sikkimensis in Nagaland, India’ emphasizes the urgent need for conservation of endangered banana germplasm. This research has been published in an international scientific journal, which publishes studies related to plant and animal biology, biodiversity, ecology and environmental protection.
Co-authors of this research paper include Nagaland University researchers KR Singh, Dr. S. Walling and Dr. Animesh Sarkar. University Vice Chancellor Professor Jagdish K. Expressing happiness over this achievement, Patnaik said that researchers have successfully developed a biodiversity corridor for the conservation of indigenous banana germplasm which is facing the threat of extinction.
He said that this initiative reflects the University’s commitment towards protecting the botanical wealth of the hilly regions of North-East India and is an important step towards ensuring genetic resilience and nutritional security in the face of climate change.
This study is part of a series of postgraduate and doctoral research projects conducted under the guidance of Dr. Animesh Sarkar, Associate Professor in the Department of Horticulture of the University, covering banana biodiversity, germplasm mapping, characterization of wild species and assessment of genetic resources in the state.
Dr. Sarkar said that during the research, challenges like inaccessible terrain, limited access to remote forest areas and low awareness among farmers about pathogen protection were faced. He also said that the increasing inclination of farmers towards hybrid and tissue culture varieties could increase the fear of extinction of traditional and wild varieties.
The study also revealed that wild banana species can be helpful in the development of high yielding and disease resistant varieties, and also offer potential for value-added products such as fiber-based products and health drinks.
Additionally, wild bananas have been traditionally used as food, fiber, medicine and cultural practices among the tribal communities of Nagaland. These plants have also been found to have medicinal properties related to the treatment of dysentery, ulcers, diabetes and microbial infections.
To strengthen conservation efforts, Nagaland University has established a ‘Banana Biodiversity Corridor’ in its Department of Horticulture. This corridor serves as a living field gene bank, linking in-situ and ex-situ conservation methods to support genetic and molecular research, climate-resilient breeding programs, student training, and national germplasm protection initiatives.
This initiative is considered an important step towards conserving the rich biodiversity of North-East India.
–IANS
ASH/DKP
