Question

There are three varieties of banana.

Variety A:

Number of chromosomes in a leaf cell = 22

Growth rate of fruit = 2.9

Breaking strength of leaf = 10.8

Variety B:

Number of chromosomes in a leaf cell = 33

Growth rate of fruit = 6.9

Breaking strength of leaf = 9.4

Variety C:

Number of chromosomes in a leaf cell = 44

Growth rate of fruit = 7.2

Breaking strength of leaf = 7.8

In some countries very strong winds may occur. Banana growers in countries where very strong winds occur choose to grow variety B.

a) Explain why banana growers in these countries choose to grow variety B rather than variety A.

b) Explain why banana growers in these countries choose to grow variety B rather than variety C.

Answer 1

For the different banana varieties given above, we have to consider both factors- fruit growth rate and breaking strength of leaf while deciding which cultivar to cultivate in a given area. The ploidy level is also taken care of. Variety A is diploid (2n = 22), variety B is triploid (3n = 33) and Variety C is tetraploid (4n = 44). Both varieties A and C will produce seeds which is not a desirable character in banana plant.

a) As the country experiences strong winds, banana cultivars will prefer to cultivate banana plants with good strength but the main part fruit growth is also taken care of. Variety B when comapred to Variety A has slightly less strength but good fruit growth rate. hence B is preferred. Moreover variety B is triploid (3n = 33) and are known to have seedless character considered good for this crop.

b) Variety B when comapred to variety C has more fruit growth rate but more susceptable to breakage due to less strength. therefore variety B offers a best choice here.Moreover variety B is triploid (3n = 33) and are known to have seedless character considered good for this crop.

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