There is a large number of banana cultivars in Brazil, but considering consumer preference, productivity, tolerance to pests and diseases, appropriate size and resistance to drought and cold, there are few cultivars with agronomic potential to be used commercially. Aiming to evaluate the vegetative development of banana genotypes at Vale do Ribeira (Brazil) conditions the following materials were tested, separated into two genomic groups: AAAA (Bucaneiro, FHIA 02 and FHIA 17), and AAAB, subdivided according to the cultivar used in the breeding: Prata (BRS Garantida, FHIA 18, BRS FHIA Maravilha, BRS Platina and PA94-01); Pacovan (BRS Japira, BRS Pacovan Ken, PV79-34, PV94-01 and BRS Vitória); and Yangambi n.2 (BRS Tropical, BRS Princesa and YB42-03). The cultivars Grande Naine (AAA), Pacovan (AAB), Prata anã (AAB) and Yangambi (AAA) present development, production and sensory characteristics similar to the evaluated genotypes, so they were used to compare to standards. During two cycles it was evaluated: height, pseudo stem diameter, number of active leaves (on blooming and in the harvest), the interval between planting and blooming and the interval between planting and harvest (days). It was calculated confidence intervals in different groups and types of bananas. According to the obtained data it can be concluded that genotypes from AAAB group with 'Paconvan' genitor cultivar are not suitable for cultivation in the region due to the plants height. The genotypes that have potential to be cultivated in Vale do Ribeira region are: AAAA (FHIA 02 and FHIA 17), AAAB group with 'Prata' genitor cultivar (FHIA 18, BRS Garantida and PA94-01) and with 'Yangambi n.2' genitor cultivar (BRS Tropical, BRS Princesa and Yangambi).
Musa spp.; cultivars; breeding
