Cooking banana plant ‘FHIA-25’

Abstract

This new and distinct variety of cooking banana plant has both Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana in its pedigree. Its Latin name is Musa acuminata×balbisiana group AAB. AA representing two genomes of M. acuminata and B representing one genome of M. balbisiana. It has the following unique combination of desirable features: 1. A high level of resistance to Mycosphaerella fijiensis, causal fungus of the black Sigatoka leaf spot disease. 2. A dwarf plant height that enables it to withstand strong winds. 3. A strong root system which makes it a hardy plant under marginal water and soil conditions. 4. Large bunch sizes that are frequently greater than 45.0 kg. 5. Green fruit has a very good flavor and texture when boiled (as thick slices) or fried (as thin slices). 6. Green fruit that is easy to peel and exudes very little latex when peeled. 7. Harvested mature green fruit that has a long green life.

I claim:  
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of cooking banana plant, substantially as illustrated and described, which is a dwarf plant and has a high level of resistance to the black Sigatoka leaf spot disease; the green fruit is further characterized by having a very good flavour and texture when boiled, to having a long green life after harvest, and to being easy to peel for cooking.