Researchers from Nagaland University have studied the genetic diversity of the wild banana Musa sikkimensis, highlighting its role in climate-resilient agriculture and biodiversity conservation.

• Researchers from Nagaland University have conducted an important study on Musa sikkimensis, a wild banana species native to the Eastern Himalayas and Northeast India. 
• The findings were published in the scientific journal Flora and Fauna, highlighting the species’ importance as a genetic resource for future banana breeding programmes.

About Musa sikkimensis

• Musa sikkimensis, also known as Darjeeling banana or Sikkim banana, is a seeded wild banana species.
• It naturally grows in Himalayan foothills and forest ecosystems of Northeast India.
• Unlike commercial bananas, it is not widely cultivated for edible fruit.
• However, it serves as an important genetic reservoir for traits such as:
  • Disease resistance
  • Climate adaptability
  • Stress tolerance

These traits are crucial for developing improved banana varieties capable of surviving climate change and pest outbreaks.

Key Findings of the Study

• The study documented significant genetic diversity among banana landraces in Nagaland.
• Local banana germplasm shows strong adaptability to varied environmental conditions.
• The research highlights how wild species can contribute to climate-resilient agriculture and food security.

Conservation Concerns

• Northeast India lies within the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot, one of the world’s richest biodiversity regions.
• However, deforestation, agricultural expansion and hybrid crop adoption threaten many wild banana genotypes.
• To conserve these resources, Nagaland University has created a Banana Biodiversity Corridor, functioning as a living gene bank.

Statement-Based MCQ

Which of the following statements regarding Musa sikkimensis is correct?

(a) It is a wild banana species native to the Eastern Himalayas.

(b) It acts as a genetic reservoir for disease resistance and stress tolerance.

(c) It plays an important role in banana breeding programmes.

(d) All of the above.

Answer: (d)

Exam Hook: UPSC Prelims Question

The Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot, known for rich plant diversity, covers which of the following regions of India?

(a) Northeast India
(b) Western Himalayas
(c) Thar Desert
(d) Deccan Plateau

One line wrap: The study of Musa sikkimensis highlights the importance of wild crop relatives in ensuring climate-resilient agriculture and biodiversity conservation.

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