Banana is one of the main fruit crops in the world as it is a rich source of nutrients and has recently become popular for its fibre, particularly as a raw material in many industries. Mathematical models are crucial for strategic and forecasting applications; however, models related to the banana crop are less common, and reviews on previous modelling efforts are scarce, emphasizing the need for evidence-based studies on this topic. Therefore, we reviewed 75 full-text articles published between 1985 and 2021 for information on mathematical models related to banana growth and, fruit and fibre yield. We analysed results in order to provide a descriptive synthesis of selected studies. According to the co-occurrence analysis, most studies were conducted on the mathematical modelling of banana fruit production. Modellers often used multiple linear regression models to estimate banana plant growth and fruit yield. Existing models incorporate a range of predictor variables, growth conditions, varieties, modelling approaches and evaluation methods, which limits comparative evaluation and selection of the best model. However, the banana process-based simulation model ‘SIMBA’ and artificial neural network have proven their robust applicability to estimate banana plant growth. This review shows that there is insufficient information on mathematical models related to banana fibre yield. This review could aid stakeholders in identifying the strengths and limitations of existing models, as well as providing insight on how to build novel and reliable banana crop-related mathematical models.
Chlorophyll meter SPAD-502 is widely used in determining leaf chlorophyll content in field plants as it is non-destructive and less time consuming. Currently, there are about 25 Hevea genotypes recommended by the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka. Characteristics of leaves, i.e., leaf thickness, wax and water content varies among the genotypes and also could affect the readings of the SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate effect of leaf thickness, wax and water content on determination of leaf chlorophyll content of H. brasiliensis with SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter.Most commonly grown Hevea genotypes i.e., RRIC 121, RRIC 100, RRISL 203 and RRISL 2001 were selected for the study. Leaf samples of each genotype were collected from the budwood nurseries in Dartonfield Estate, Agalawatta. SPAD value of each leaf sample was measured and subjected to analyse the actual chlorophyll content by acetone extraction method. Leaf thickness, water content and epicuticular wax content of each leaf sample were also measured by using standard test methods.The highest leaf thickness, wax content and water content were observed in RRIC 100 genotype whilst RRISL 203 genotype gave the lowest values. Leaf chlorophyll content of RRIC 121 genotype was comparatively lower with an average value of 36.51 µg/cm 2 . However, the highest leaf chlorophyll content was observed in RRISL 203 genotype and the average value was 54.28 µg/cm 2 . Despite the genotype average, leaf wax content and water content were 79.75 µg/cm 2 and 55.79%, respectively whilst leaf thickness was 0.126 mm. Pearson correlation coefficients for leaf thickness, wax content and water content vs. reading of SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter were above 0.05% and revealed that these three parameters did not affect the reading of SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter significantly (p=0.05) in determination of leaf chlorophyll content of H. brasiliensis.
Calathea ornata is a member of the family Marantaceae, with glossy, leathery leaves in attractive dark or olive green colors. Its uniquely patterned feathered or fish-bone design of distinct white lines makes it a high demand in the foliage industry as a house plant. The aim of this study was to develop a shoot induction protocol with efficient sterilization technique, best explant type and different combination of growth regulators as a cost-effective method for commercial invitro propagation. Meristem tissue of C. ornata was successfully established with minimum contamination percentage, by following the protocol developed for surface sterilization, using stepwise rinsing with several disinfections. Different concentrations of BAP (6-Benzyl Amino Purine) and NAA (Naphthalene Acetic Acid) were tested for explant initiation and multiplication in ten replicates. The data were analyzed using ANOVA in Complete Randomized Design. The highest number of shoots was induced on MS basal media supplemented with 3.0 mgL-1 BAP and 3.5 mgL-1 NAA. Subsequently, initiated shoots
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