Banana

Banana is one of the most important fruit crops grown in India. In respect of area it ranks second
and first in production only after mango in this country. India leads the world in banana
production with an annual output of about 16.820 mt. In India, bananas are so predominant and
popular among people that poor and rich alike like the fruit. Considering the year round
availability of fruits, unlike the seasonal availability of other tree fruits, it has become an
inevitable necessity in any household in India, for all functions. The banana cultivation in India
is most popular agricultural parctice.

Origin and Distribution

 The edible banana is believed to have originated in the hot, tropical regions of South-East
Asia. India is believed to be one of the centres of origin of banana.
 Its cultivation is distributed throughout the warmer countries and is confined to regions
between 300N and 300S of the equator.
 Banana is also grown, in many other countries of the world namely Bangladesh, the
Carribbean Islands, the Canary Islands, Florida, Egypt, Israel, Ghana, Congo, South
Africa, Fiji, Hawaii, Taiwan, Indonesia, the Philippines, South China, Queensland and Sri
Lanka.

Soil:

Fertility of soil is very important for successful cultivation, as banana is a heavy feeder. Banana
is one of the few fruits, which has a restricted root zone. Hence, depth and drainage are the two
most important considerations in selecting the soil for banana. The soil suitable for banana
should be 0.5 1m in depth, rich, well drained, fertile, moisture retentive, containing plenty of
organic matter. The range of pH should be 6.5-7.5. Alluvial and volcanic soils are the best for
banana cultivation. Banana is grown in India on a variety of soils such as the heavy clay soil of
the Cauvery delta, alluvial soils of the Gangetic delta, black loam in Maharashtra, coastal sandy
loams and the red lateritic soil of the hilly tracts of Kerala. These areas are famous for growing
good crop of banana.

Climate:

Banana is essentially tropical plant requiring a warm and humid climate. However, it can be
grown from sea level to all altitudes of 1200 metres. It can be cultivated in a temperature range
of 10°C and 40°C with high humidity but growth is retarded at temperatures of 20°C and less
and more than 35°C. Yields are higher when temperatures are above 24°C for a considerable
period. In cooler climate, the crop requires longer time to mature. Plants exposed to low
temperature and humidity during active growth stage show reduced growth and yields. Hot
winds blowing in high speed during the summer month's shred and desiccate the leaves. It
requires on an average, 1700 mm rainfall distributed throughout the year for its satisfactory
growth. Stagnation of water is injurious and may cause diseases like Panama wilt.

Varieties
Dwarf Cavendish (AAA): It is a popular commercial cultivar grown extensively for table and
processing purpose in the states Maharashtra, Gujarat, Bihar and West Bengal. It is also popular
in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. 'Basrai' is the leading commercial variety of
Cavendish group and is a leading commercial variety of Maharashtra. The plant stature is Dwarf
making it less prone to wind damage. The bunch size, the fruit length and size is quite good
though the keeping quality is rather poor. The average bunch weight with 6-7 hands and with
about 13 fruits per hand is about 15-25 kg. The thick rind of the fruits retains to some extent the
greenish colour even when the fruits are ripe. Gandevi selection known as 'Hanuman' or 'Padarre'
is gaining importance inspite of its longer crop duration. The selection yields bunches weighing
55-60 kg. Performs well under light soils with high inputs. In combination with high-density
planting and drip irrigation, Dwarf Cavendish is becoming a highly successful cultivar. It is
highly susceptible to Sigatoka leaf spot disease in humid tropics restricting its commercial
cultivation.

Robusta (AAA): It is a semi-tall variety, grown mostly in Tamil Nadu and some parts of
Karnataka for table purpose. Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. It is a high yielding and produces
bunch of large size with well developed fruits. Dark green fruits turn bright yellow upon ripening
depending on ripening conditions. Fruit is very sweet with a good aroma. Bunch weighs about
25-30 kg. Requires propping. Fruit has a poor keeping quality leading to a quick breakdown of
pulp after ripening, hence not suited for long distance transportation. Robusta is highly
susceptible to Sigatoka leaf spot disease in humid tropics.

Rasthali (Silk AAB): It is a medium tall variety commercially grown in Tamil Nadu, Andhra
Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka and Bihar. Its unique fruit quality has made Rasthali popular and a
highly prized cultivar for table purpose. Fruits are yellowish green throughout their development,
but turn pale yellow to golden yellow after ripening. Fruit is very tasty with a good aroma.
Longer crop duration, severe susceptibility to Fusarium wilt, requirement of bunch cover to
protect fruits from sun cracking and formation of hard lumps in fruits make crop production
more expensive.

Poovan (Mysore AAB): It is a leading commercial cultivar grown throughout the country with
location specific ecotypes like palayankodan in Kerala, Poovan in Tamil Nadu, Karpura
Chakkarakeli in Andhra Pradesh and Alpan in North Eastern Region. It is generally cultivated as
a perennial crop. Tamil Nadu is the leading producer of Poovan cultivar owing to its climatic and
marginal soil condition. Poovan is also commercially cultivated for leaf industry throughout
Tamil Nadu and in certain parts of Kerala. Fruit is slightly acidic, firm and has typical sour-sweet
aroma. Fruits turn to attractive golden yellow on ripening. Medium sized bunch, closely packed
fruits, good keeping quality and resistant to fruit cracking is its plus points. But it is highly
susceptible to Banana Bract Mosaic Viral (BBMV) disease and Banana Streak Virus, (BSV),
which cause considerable reduction in yield.

Nendran (AAB): It is a popular variety in Kerala where it is relished as a fruit as well as used
for processing. Commercial cultivation of Nendran has picked up rapidly in Tamil Nadu in the
recent past. Nendran is known to display considerable diversity in plant stature, pseudostem
colour, presence or absence of male axis, bunch size, etc. Bunch has 5-6 hands weighing about
12-15 kg. Fruits have a distinct neck with thick green skin turning buff yellow on ripening. Fruits
remain as starchy even on ripening. Nendran is highly susceptible to Banana Bract Mosaic Virus
(BBMV), nematodes and borers.

Red Banana (AAA): Red banana is the most relished and highly prized variety of Kerala and
Tamil Nadu. Its commercial cultivation is prominent in Kanyakumari and Tirunelveli districts of
Tamil Nadu. It is also popular in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and to some extent in Western and
Central India. In Bihar and other regions, it is popular as Lal Velchi while in Karnataka as
Chandra Bale. The colour of the pseudostem, petiole, midrib and fruit rind is purplish red. It is a
robust plant with bunches weighing 20-30 kg under good management practices. Fruits are
sweet, orange yellow coloured and with a pleasant aroma. It is highly susceptible to bunchy top,
fusarium wilt and nematodes.

Ney Poovan (AB): Ney Poovan is the choicest diploid cultivar, which is under commercial
mono cultivation on a large scale especially in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. In Kerala It is grown
in backyards and now shifting to large-scale cultivation. Ney Poovan is a slender plant bearing
bunches of 15-30 kg after 12-14 months. Dark green fruits turn golden yellow with a very good
keeping quality. Fruit is highly fragrant, tasty, powdery and firm. Ney Poovan is tolerant to leaf
spot but susceptible to Fusarium wilt and banana bract mosaic virus.

Virupakashi (AAB): It is an elite variety in South India especially grown for table purpose in
Palani and Shevroy hills of Tamil Nadu under perennial cultivation. It is a vigorous and hardy
variety though not a prolific one. Fruits show a typical curvature, possess a pleasant aroma and
delightful taste. Virupakshi has the characteristic flavour only when they are cultivated in higher
elevation. In the mixed cultivation it is well suited as a shade plant for young coffee. It has many
ecotypes like 'Sirumalai' (grown on hills), 'Vannan', 'Kali' etc. well suited for cultivation in
plains. Perennial system of cultivation aggravates Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV).

Pachanadan (AAB): It is a popular variety in Tamil Nadu grown especially for its cooling
effects in hot tracts in summer. The variety comes up well in marginal soils without any yield
reduction. It is well suited as an intercrop in coconut/arecanut garden. The bunch weight ranges
from 12-15 kg (after 11-12 months). Pachanadan could be used in the Nendran plantations for
gap filling as it comes up for harvest along with Nendran. This variety is tolerant to leaf spot and
Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) diseases, but susceptible to wilt disease.

Monthan (ABB): It is a widely cultivated variety for processing. Monthan is a fairly tall and
robust plant bearing bunches of 18-20 kg after 12 months. Fruits are bold, stocky, knobbed and
pale green in colour. The skin is usually green. The new prolific 'Monthan' type clones of
economic value namely 'Kanchi Vazhai' and 'Chakkia' are recently becoming popular in Tamil
Nadu. Apart from its culinary use of fruits, pseudostem core is a highly relished vegetable with
many medicinal properties. Monthan is also cultivated for production of leaves in Trichy and
Tanjore districts of Tamil Nadu. It has many desirable qualities like immunity to Banana Bunchy
Top Virus (BBTV) diseases, salt tolerance and normal bunch mass even under marginal
condition, but it is highly susceptible to Fusarium wilt disease.

Karpuravalli (ABB): It is a popular variety grown for table purpose in medium rich soils. Its
commercial cultivation is spread over in Central and Southern districts of Tamil Nadu and
Kerala. In Bihar, cultivation is in patches under the name 'Kanthali'. Karpuravalli is a tall, robust
plant well suited to marginal lands and soils, produced under low input conditions. It is also the
sweetest among Indian bananas. Karpuravalli is occasionally seeded depending on the seasonal
variability. Its ash coated golden yellow and sweet fruits have good keeping quality. Karpuravalli
is highly susceptible to wilt disease, tolerant to leaf spot disease and well suited for drought, salt
affected areas and for low input conditions.

Safed Velchi Musa (A B Group): This is considered a good quality fruit for table purpose and
is cultivated in the Thane, Nasik districts of Maharashtra. It is grown under the shade of arecanut
gardens in the South Kanara districts of Karanataka. This variety is mediumsized with slender
yellowish green pseudostem and can be recognised by the reddish petiole margin, large fruits,
very thin and papery rind and white firm flesh that is very sweet. The average bunch weight is
about 12 kg with about 150 fruits/bunch. The duration of the variety is about 13 months.

Propagation of banana:
Vegetative Method:

Commercial bananas are seedless and propagated exclusively by vegetative means. The banana
has a reduced underground stem, called the rhizome, which bears several buds. Each of these
buds sprouts and forms its own pseudostem and a new bulbous rhizome. These daughter plants
are called suckers. Banana is mostly propagated by rhizomes and suckers viz. sword suckers and
water suckers. Sword suckers have a well developed base with narrow sword-shaped leaf blades
at the early stages. Suckers of 2-4 months age are selected. Other planting materials are whole or
bits of rhizomes. Basrai variety in Jalgaon (Maharashtra) is as a rule propagated by dormant
rhizomes. After cutting the parent plant, the rhizomes are removed from the soil, stored in cool,
dry place for about 2 months. During the resting period the remaining part of pseudostem at the
bottom falls of, leaving prominent heart bud. Conical rhizome should be selected while flat
rhizomes to be rejected. The weight of the rhizomes should be 500 g-750 g .It should be 3-4
months age at planting. Very small rhizomes will give bigger size fruits with late flowering while
bigger size rhizomes flower early but bear small size fruit/bunches Since banana is highly
unstable in genetic constitution, the suckers/rhizomes should be selected from plants, which are
healthy, having all the desirable bunch qualities and high yielding ability possessing atleast 10
hands in a bunch.

Tissue Culture:

Now-a-days banana plants are also propagated through tissue culture. Varieties like Shrimanti,
Gross Michael and Grand Naine are commonly produced using tissue culture technique.
Normally disease free plantlets with 3 - 4 leaves are generally supplied in pots for raising
secondary nursery. Plants are initially kept in shade [50%] and as they harden, shade is reduced
gradually. After 6 weeks, plants do not require any shade. Normally two months of secondary
nursery is good enough before the plants to be planted in the field pits.

Planting :
Planting can be done in May-June or in September - October

Spacing :

No. of Suckers
Cultivar Spacing (m)
Per ha Per acre
2.13x2.13
'Poovan' 'Monthan' 'Rasthali'
or 2150 870
'Kali ( Nadan)' 'Nendran'
2.1 x 2.1
Dwarf Cavendish 1.7x1.7 3550 1440
or
('Basrai', 'Kabuli') 3000 1210
1.8 x 1.8
'Robusta' (Harichal) 1.8 x 1.8 3000 1210
1.8x1.8
'Nendran' or 1700 684
2.4 x 2.4
2.4 x 3.0 1350 545
'Hill Banana' 4.1 x 3.6 670 270
4.8 x 4.9 420 170
Export quality banana 1.7 x 1.75

In case of tissue culture plantlets a spacing of 1.65 x 1.65 m is adopted. Pits of size 45cm x 45cm
x 45 cm are dug at the recommended spacing. The pits with equal quantities of top soil, well
decomposed FYM and sand in 1:1:1 proportion. Polybag may be slit and removed and the plant
be inserted into the centre of the filled pit without disturbing the roots. The soil level must be
maintained at the same level as in the polybag.

Methods of Planting:

Pit method :

Pits of 0.5m x 0.5m x 0.5m are dug for planting the rhizomes. However this method is very
laborious and expensive. The only advantage is that no earthing up is required as planting is done
at the required depth. This practice is not very popular at present.

Furrow method:

This is a very common method in which furrows of 20-25cm depth are opened by a tractor or
ridger at a distance of 1.5m and rhizomes are planted in the furrows. In this method earthling up
needs to be frequently done to cover the exposed rhizomes.

Manure and fertilizers

The fertilizer dose depends upon the fertility of soil and amount of organic manure applied to the
crop. For a good yield, 40-50 t/ha of well-decomposed FYM is incorporated into the soil. The
recommended fertilizer dose for optimum yield is as follows.

Quantity of Fertilizers ( g/plant )

3rd month 4th month 5th month

Varieties

Ure SS MO Ure SS MO Ure SS MO

a P P a P P a P P

Poovan, 140 155 130 230 155 320 90 175

Rasthali &
Karpuraval
li

D.Cavendis 15 155 130 250 105 320 150 225

h, Robusta
& Nendran

Other 110 110 130 155 110 300 90 160

varieties

(Source : NRC Banana)

Fertilizer dosage for tissue culture banana is given below:

Fertilizer Dose (g/plant)

Days after Planting

Urea/ Ammonium SSP MOP
Sulphate

30 45/100 125 50

75 90/195 125 85

110 110/245 125 85

 150 110/245 125 100

180 90/195 125 100

At bunch emergence -/- - 85

Nutritional Deficiency in banana crop:

Nitrogen :

Leaves of all ages become pale green. Mid ribs, petioles and leaf sheaths turn reddish pink and
rosette in appearance. Plantations with poor root growth exhibit such symptoms. Bunch weight
and fruit quality is affected.

Control: Application of urea (300g/plant) followed by irrigation is recommended.

Phosphorus:

Plants show stunted growth with poor root development. Old leaves show saw tooth marginal
chlorosis, curling of leaves, breaking of petioles and bluish green colour of younger leaves.

Control : Application of DAP (50g/plant) followed by irrigation is recommended.

Potassium :

The deficiency symptoms include orange yellow colour of old leaves, scorching along the
margins, reduction in total leaf area, curving of midribs etc. Choking of leaves delay flower
initiation leading to reduction in yield and quality.

Control : Spraying Potassium Sulphate (1%) solution on the leaves is recommended.

Calcium:

The deficiency symptoms include deformation or absence of leaf lamina (spike leaf), marginal
leaf necrosis and thickening of veins.

Control : Application of lime (50g/plant) followed by irrigation is recoSSmmended.

Magnesium:
Yellow discolouration is observed in the mid blade and midrib portion however the margins of
the leaf remain green. Purple mottling of the petioles, marginal necrosis and separation of leaf
sheaths from the pseudostem is also seen.

Control : Application of Magnesium Sulphate (25g/plant) followed by irrigation is

recommended.

Sulphur:

The deficiency symptoms include yellow or white appearance of young leaves, necrotic patches
on the leaf margins, thickening of veins, stunted growth and small or choked bunches.

Control: Application of complex fertilizer (20:20:0:15) @ 20 g/plant followed by irrigation is

recommended.

Manganese:

Narrow green edge appears at the leaf margins of second or third youngest leaf, which further
spreads along the main veins towards the midrib. However, the interveinal areas remain green
giving comb tooth appearance.

Control: Spraying Manganese Sulphate (0.5%) on the leaves is recommended.

Zinc:

Symptoms appear mostly in limed soils or soils with high pH. Young leaves become smaller in
size and more lanceolate in shape. In the furling leaf high amount of anthocyanin pigmentation
appear on its underside. The unfurled leaf has alternating chlorotic and green bands. Fruit is light
green, twisted, short and thin.

Control: Spraying Zinc Sulphate (0.5%) on the leaves is recommended.

Iron:

The younger leaves turn yellow or white.

Control: Spraying Iron Sulphate (0.5%) along with Urea (1%) on the leaves is recommended.

Copper:

Both young and old leaves show symptoms of chlorosis and curve towards the base, which gives
an umbrella like appearance to the plant.

Control: Spraying Copper Sulphate (0.5%) on the leaves is recommended.

Boron :
Deficiency symptoms include reduced leaf area, curling of leaves, lamina deformation,
appearance of white stripes perpendicular to the veins on the lamina of young leaves, thickening
of secondary veins and inhibition of root and flower formation.

Control : Application of Borax salt (25 g/plant) in the soil around the root zone of the plant is
recommended.

Intercultural operations

Weed Control:

Regular weeding is important during the first four months. Spading is commonly used and
normally four spadings a year are effective in controlling weeds. Integrated weed management
by including cover crops, judicious use of herbicides, intercropping and hand weeding wherever
necessary will contribute in increased production.

Pre-emergence application of Diuron (1kg a.i./ha) or Glyphosate (2 kg a.i./ha) is effective in

controlling grasses and broad-leaved weeds without affecting the yield and quality of banana.
Double cropping of cowpea is equally effective in suppressing the weed growth.

Intercropping :

Intercropping can easily be raised in banana plantation at the early stages of growth. Vegetable
and flower crops like radishes, cauliflower, cabbage, spinach, chilli, brinjal, lady's finger, gourds,
marigold, and tuberose can be successfully grown as intercrop. Mixed cropping with arecanut
coconut and cassava is a common and widely adopted practice in South India.

Desuckering :

During the life cycle, banana produces number of suckers from the underground stem. If all
these suckers are allowed to grow, they grow at the expense of the growth of the main plant and
hence the growth of the sucker should be discouraged. Removal of unwanted suckers is one of
the most critical operations in banana cultivation and is known as desuckering. Such suckers are
removed either by cutting them off or the heart may be destroyed without detaching the sucker
from the parent plant. Removal of suckers with a portion of corm at an interval of 5-6 weeks
hastened shooting and increased the yield.

Earthing Up:

In case of furrow planting earthing up should be done during rainy season to avoid water
logging while during winter and summer the plant should be in the furrow.

Propping:

Propping operation is carried out in areas with high wind speeds. Pseudostems are propped up
with bamboo, especially, at the time of bunch emergence.
Leaf Removal :

Pruning of surplus leaves helps to reduce the disease from spreading through old leaves. Leaf
pruning can change light and temperature factors of microclimate. Pruning of leaves before
bunch initiation delays flowering and harvesting cycle. For maximum yields a minimum of 12
leaves are to be retained.

Bunch Covering :

Bagging (bunch covering) is a cultural technique used by planters where export quality bananas
are grown. This practice protects bunches against cold, sun scorching, against attack of thrips
and scarring beetle. It also improves certain visual qualities of the fruits. Bunch covering with
dry leaves is a common practice in India.

Removal of Male Flower Bud:

Removal of male bud after completion of female phase is necessary. Once the process of fruit
setting is over, the inflorescence rachis should be cut beyond the last hand otherwise it grows at
the cost of fruit development. This helps in early maturity of the bunch.

Harvesting of banana:

Irrigation of banana plantations should be stopped well in advance of the harvest date, preferably
a week, so as to facilitate drying of the soil for movement of labour, harvesting, loading, etc.
Temporary sheds should be erected near banana fields and all operations such as cutting into
hands, application of fungicidal paste should be carried out under the shade. Bunches selected
should be green, three-fourths ripe, whole, free from rubbing, scratching, bruises, sunburns or
other blemishes. Bunches having malformed fingers, octopus-shaped hands, broken, torn or split
fingers etc. should be rejected. Three quarters full stage is recognized by sharp angularities of the
fingers. In some banana growing countries, the bunches are marked with date and month as soon
as the inflorescence is shot. Under irrigated conditions the variety 'Dwarf Cavendish' takes 99-
107 days to reach three quarters full maturity. 'Dwarf Cavendish' banana at three-fourths full
maturity shows a pulp skin ratio of 1.35 to 1.40 under normal conditions and this gives a fairly
accurate index of maturity.For cutting (harvesting) the bunches, one cutter and one helper are
required. The bunch should be cut in one stroke 20 cm to 25 cm above the first band or 7.5 cm to
10 cm from the tip of the fingers of the first hand. The helper should hold the same portion and
place it carefully on the freshly cut leaves spread on the ground. The last hand is removed if
undersized. For carrying bunches to packing shed it is necessary that after 15 minutes of harvest,
when the latex flow ceases, the bunches should be taken two at a time on stretchers and should
not be allowed to come into contact with soil.

Yield

Varieties Yield (t/ha)

a) Dwarf Cavendish 30-40

b) Robusta 38-45

c) Other varieties 20-30