The curare enano plantain variety will be reproduced in the laboratories of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Panama (FCA), in a joint effort with the Ministry of Agricultural Development-MIDA-, Chiriqui regional, the Institute of Agricultural Research of Panama (IDIAP), and collaborating producers.
During an activity held in the auditorium "Alberto Perdomo" of the FCA, Professor Simon Vasquez detailed the process they were using to reproduce the plantain, from the selection of the seed (meristem) that would be reproduced, to the work carried out in the laboratory and the plant's acclimatization before being cultivated in the field.
This project is an initiative of the regional director of the MIDA, Rolando Guerrero, in compliance with an agreement between the MIDA and the FCA for technical cooperation, which has strengthened the work in laboratories and the support for research and organization of events, including the celebration of the producer's day on October 7.
According to the coordinator of Agriculture of the MIDA in Chiriqui, Franklin Concepcion, this project is part of the program designed to promote the planting of the curare enano variety, which is resistant to strong winds, has a high yield, and is tolerant to the major plantain pests.
He added that they would obtain the first results of the plant breeding in the FCA in the medium term. According to estimates, researchers will be able to obtain three high quality replicates (in terms of genetic purity and health) from a processed strain.
Concepcion said that, to promote cultivation technologies of this variety, the MIDA will establish 14 demonstration plots using plants produced in laboratories in Mexico in areas with high production potential, such as Las Lajas and San Juan in the east of Chiriqui; and Progreso, San Andres, and Rio Sereno, in the area bordering Costa Rica.
Source: panamaamerica.com.pa