The catalog of banana (Musa spp.) accessions maintained at the USDA-ARS Tropical Agriculture Research Station is for research and educational purposes. It is a tool that has been developed in an effort to consolidate detailed information on specific banana germplasm accessions. The combined data in the form of digital voucher images of particular phenotypic traits, agronomic traits as well as molecular information can be used by plant science researchers, science educators and growers. It can be used by other banana genetic resources managers that can use the digital images, the values for particular traits and/or the molecular marker data for comparing and contrasting to their germplasm. Comparisons can be made to determine off-types, synonyms, or for contrasting agronomic performance across agro-environments. Growers could use the catalog to better understand diversity in Musa, to learn about the holdings at TARS and even to choose particular accessions they might want to evaluate on their farms based on the published agronomic performance traits. Although much of the information contained in the catalog is readily accessible (e.g., can be viewed and downloaded) from the National Plant Germplasm System's (NPGS) Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN-Global) database and the Musa Germplasm Information System (MGIS) database, it is not displayed in the same format (i.e., catalog format).

The TARS site is part of the National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS), and as such has acquired, collected, preserved, propagated and evaluated plant germplasm at the current location since its inception in 1901.  Plant genetic resources held at TARS can be officially requested for research and educational purposes by filling out pertinent information in the request form at https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/.  The publication can be downloaded as a PDF document and may be reprinted.  However, when using this document for educational and research purposes the USDA and the authors should be acknowledged.  For any comments or questions please feel free to contact Dr. Ricardo Goenaga at ricardo.goenaga@ars.usda.gov.