Nagaland University researchers have conducted an extensive study on the genetic diversity of Musa sikkimensis, a wild banana species native to the Eastern Himalayas and Northeast India, highlighting its importance for climate resilience, food security, and sustainable agricultural development.
Musa sikkimensis, commonly known as the ‘Darjeeling banana’ or ‘Sikkim banana,’ is a wild-seeded banana species that serves as a vital genetic reservoir for disease resistance, stress tolerance, and climate adaptability traits essential for future banana improvement programs. Although not widely cultivated for 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.
Nagaland, located within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, hosts a rich diversity of indigenous banana genotypes. However, increasing anthropogenic activities, environmental pressures, and deforestation have placed many wild genotypes at risk of decline and possible extinction, making conservation research critical.
The research titled ‘Exploring the Genetic Diversity of Musa sikkimensis Land Races in Nagaland, India’ underscores the urgent need to conserve endangered banana germplasm in one of the world’s richest biodiversity regions.
The findings were published in Flora and Fauna, a peer-reviewed scientific journal that publishes research on plant and animal biology, biodiversity, ecology, and environmental conservation. The paper was co-authored by Nagaland University research scholars K. R. Singh, Dr. S. Walling, and Dr. A. Sarkar.
Highlighting the need for such research to conserve the rich biodiversity of the Northeast, Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University, said, “This pioneering initiative reflects our university’s deep sense of accountability and responsibility toward safeguarding the wild flora of the hilly terrains of Northeast India. It also highlights our commitment to scientific advancement rooted in local genetic resources and traditional ecological wealth. In the climate-changing scenario, this research will pave the way for future crop improvement programs by strengthening genetic resilience, enhancing adaptability, and ensuring nutritional security. ”.
The study builds on a series of postgraduate and doctoral research projects conducted under the supervision of Dr. A. Sarkar, Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture, Nagaland University, focusing on banana biodiversity, germplasm mapping, characterization of wild species, and evaluation of genetic resources in the state.
Highlighting the role of this research in addressing conservation challenges and safeguarding local germplasm, Dr. Animesh Sarkar, Associate Professor, Department of Horticulture, Nagaland University, said, “We aimed to address challenges in identifying and conserving local banana genotypes growing in remote forest regions of Nagaland. Through collaboration with banana experts from Northeast and South India, our research team successfully identified and documented several previously unclassified genotypes.”
“Field exploration presented significant challenges, including difficult terrain, limited accessibility to remote forest areas, and low awareness among farmers regarding the importance of germplasm conservation. Our study also highlights a growing shift among farmers toward hybrid and tissue-culture banana varieties, which may accelerate the loss of traditional and wild genotypes,” Dr. Sarkar said.
