Mode of inheritance for resistance to FOC Race 1 and fruit quality traits in Sukali Ndizi cultivar of Banana

Information on the genetic control of resistance to Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.cubense (FOC) race (1) and fruit quality traits in Sukali Ndizi cultivar of banana is key to its genetic improvement. The mode of resistance to Fusarium wilt in Sukali Ndizi was analyzed in 536 hybrids and 5 parental lines and quality attributes in 137 hybrids and two parental lines, grown in same environment. Fruit quality was assessed by physical measurements and fruit composition whereas resistance to Fusarium wilt was assessed by corm discoloration symptoms. All the assessed traits were quantitatively inherited.  Flavor attributes, and pulp texture showed a predominance of additive inheritance with complementary gene action whereas total soluble solutes showed non-additive gene with dominant gene action. Fruit acidity had incomplete dominancy with the genetic model explained by both single gene and certain multiple genes. Resistance to Fusarium wilt showed dominant gene action and polygenic effects. Involvement of a few genes governing wilt resistance suggested the ease of breeding for this trait. Pedigree breeding method could be recommended for incorporating various traits in (cv. Sukali Ndizi) of banana.  Key words: Sukali Ndizi, quantitative inheritance, fruit quality, Fusarium wilt resistance.