Study finds climate-resilient traits in wild ‘Sikkim banana’

GUWAHATI

Researchers from Nagaland University have uncovered the climate adaptability of a wild-seeded banana species native to the Eastern Himalayas, underlining its potential role in food security and sustainable agricultural development.

Their extensive study on the genetic diversity of Musa sikkimensis, also called the ‘Darjeeling banana’ or ‘Sikkim banana’, has been published in the latest issue of Flora and Fauna, a peer-reviewed international journal.

The authors of the study are K.R. Singh, S. Walling, and Animesh Sarkar of the university’s Department of Horticulture.

According to the study, the Sikkim banana serves as a vital genetic reservoir for disease resistance, stress tolerance, and climate adaptability traits considered essential as climate change threatens global banana production. Although not widely cultivated as an edible fruit, the species plays a crucial role in strengthening crop resilience and ensuring sustainable production.

The research team found that local banana germplasm exhibits strong adaptive potential across diverse environmental conditions, reinforcing its importance for conservation, and future breeding initiatives.

Dr. Sarkar, the university’s Associate Professor, said his team identified and documented several previously unclassified genotypes through collaboration with banana experts across the northeast and southern India.

Loss of wild genotypes

“Limited accessibility to remote forest areas and low awareness among farmers regarding the importance of germplasm conservation were a challenge. Our study highlights a growing shift among farmers toward hybrid and tissue-culture banana varieties, which may accelerate the loss of traditional and wild genotypes.”

The researchers noted that wild banana species could support the development of high-yielding, disease-resistant varieties and new value-added products such as fibre-based materials and health beverages.

The study also highlighted the significant ethno-botanical value of wild bananas among indigenous communities in Nagaland. Different plant parts are traditionally used for food, fibre, medicine, and cultural practices, with reported medicinal properties including treatment for dysentery, ulcers, diabetes and microbial infections.

Established in response to conservation concerns, Nagaland University has created a Banana Biodiversity Corridor at its Department of Horticulture. The corridor functions as a living field gene bank, integrating in situ, and ex situ conservation while supporting genetic, molecular, and climate-resilient breeding research.

The corridor is expected to support student training, national germplasm security efforts, and future crop improvement programmes rooted in local genetic resources.