Effect of different varieties and spacing for increasing leaf production in Banana (Musa spp.)

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect of different banana varieties and spacing for increasing leaf production of Banana (Musa spp.), was carried at University Orchard, Department of Fruit Science, Horticulture College and Research Institute, Coimbatore during 2019-2020. The experiment was conducted by using four different banana varieties viz. Poovan (AAB), Karpooravalli (ABB), Monthan (ABB) and Chakkiya (ABB), planted with three different spacing viz. 1.5 m × 1.5 m. 1.8 m × 1.8 m. 2.1 m × 2.1 m. Consequences shown that among four banana varieties, Karpooravalli recorded significantly higher pseudostem height (335.91 cm), pseudostem girth (80.80 cm), leaf area (18155.71 cm2), number of leaves per mother plant (42.01) and number of leaves per sucker plant (25.60) than other varieties. Whereas, variety Chakkiya recorded the least number of days taken for shooting (267.47 days), when compared to others. Planting at wider plant spacing 2.1 m × 2.1 m resulted in significantly higher pseudostem girth (72.88 cm), leaf area (15559.96 cm2), number of leaves per mother plant (38.77), number of leaves per sucker plant (22.03) and least number of days taken for shooting (278.10 days), as compared to other spacing. Whereas, the same variety planted under closer spacing of 1.8 m × 1.8 m has recorded maximum pseudostem height (312.70).