Banana plant "FHIA-01"

Abstract

This new and distinct variety of banana plant has the following unique combination of desirable features: 1. High level of resistance to both the yellow Sigatoka leaf spot disease (Mycosphaerella musicola) and the black Sigatoka leaf spot disease (Mycosphaerella fijiensis). 2. Practical immunity to both races 1 and 4 of Panama disease (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense). 3. A strong root system which makes it a hardy plant under marginal water and soil conditions. 4. Cold tolerant - plant remains green under cold conditions which cause the reference "Williams" Cavendish variety to turn a yellowish color. 5. Excellent green life of fruit after harvest which renders it suitable for export. 6. Sliced or diced green and ripe fruit does not oxidize to an unsightly brownish color as does the fruit of the Cavendish export clones. 7. Pleasant slightly tart flavor when ripe. 8. Peel of harvested green fruit turns yellow when left to ripen under ambient conditons without ethylene treatment.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of banana plant, substantially as illustrated and described, which is a cold-tolerant and hardy plant with high levels of resistance to the yellow and black Sigatoka leaf spot diseases and practical immunity to races 1 and 4 of Panama disease; the fruit is further characterized by having a pleasant tart flavor, to having an excellent green life which permits it to be exported, and to not oxidizing to an unsightly brownish color when sliced or diced.