Fertigation-Driven Optimization of Growth Characters in Banana (Musa acuminate AAA) cv. Red Banana

Abstract

The main aim of the study was to standardize the fertigation schedule and nutrient levels for growth enhancement in red banana. The study was conducted at the Department of Fruit Science College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram during 2021-2023. The statistical design used was factorial Randomized Block Design replicated thrice with 12 plants per plot at a spacing of 2.1m x 2.1 m laid out with 12 treatment combinations of 4 different nutrient levels (60%, 80%, 100%and 120% RD of N and K) and 3 fertigation schedule (equal splits at weekly interval, at fortnightly interval, and according to the growth stage of the crop) and a control (KAU POP recommendation). Soil test based on fertilizer recommendation was derived based on KAU POP (200:200:400 g plant-1 year-1). Farm yard manure was applied as organic source at 10 kg plant-1) and P (200 g plant-1) to all treatments as basal. Water soluble fertilizers used included Urea as nitrogen source and Muriate of Potash as potassium source;. Data was collected from pseudo stem height, girth, number of leaves, leaf index, leaf area, days to shooting, time taken from shooting to harvest and crop duration. Data was analyzed using analysis of variance. The highest pseudostem height (310.53 cm) and girth (89.30 cm) was observed with the interactive effect of 120% of the recommended dose of N and K applied according to the crop growth stage) which was on par with F2S3(80% of the recommended dose of N and K applied according to the crop growth stage) at flowering stage. The total functional leaf area was maximum on F3S3   at the flowering (23.86 m2) and harvest stage (21.50 m2). Data on days to shooting (363 days), shoot to harvest (89 days) and total crop duration (452 days) in red banana showed that the interaction effect F2S3 has taken the least number of days. In conclusion the growth characters were observed to be better at 80% recommended dose of N and K with split application according to the growth stage of the crop .