Abstract
Bananas destined for orchards and backyards are often grown from tissue-culture plantlets in nurseries. Little research has been done to determine the proper fertilization rate to produce field-ready plants. Furthermore, research into growing media for banana plantlets is sparse. This study examines the growth response of bananas to fertilization in two media, one an industry standard and the other widely used in the American tropics. The growing media mixtures consisted of 90% or 55% (by volume) sugarcane filter press mud or sphagnum peat mixed with perlite and vermiculite. The perlite and vermiculite were mixed in equal parts to make up the compliment of each mixture. Three fertilization treatments of Osmocote Plus 15N-2.6P-10K, 3-4 month release were incorporated prior to planting: 2.4 g/L, 4.8 g/L, and 7.2 g/L. Plants were monitored for color, growth, and development until 64 days after planting. The highest rate of fertilizer produced the tallest plants except for plants grown in 55% sugarcane filter press mud. Stem diameter and dry weight were always largest at the highest rate of fertilization; however, only in the 55% sugarcane filter press mud grown plant were these values significantly different from those obtained with the medium rate of fertilizer. Single photon avalanche diode (SPAD) readings were lower for sugarcane filter press mud grown plant than sphagnum peat grown plants. Both the growing media and fertilizer rate affect banana plant growth and development in the greenhouse. Results indicate that foliage color, growth, and development do not benefit from fertilization beyond the medium rate of fertilization.
