Plant density studies with banana (cv. Williams) in a subtropical climate. II. Components of yield and seasonal distribution of yield

Bananas and Plantains

“…However, when 'Williams' yields were annualized and cumulated over several ratoon cycles, much lower densities were found to be optimal such as 2100 plants/ha in North Queensland (Daniells et at., 1985;1987a) and 1666 plants/ha in Burgershall, South Africa (Robinson and Nel, 1989a) (Figs 2.4 and 2.5). Fruit quality was similar to that at conventional ratoon densities.…”

“…In Queensland, Daniells et at. Similarly in South Africa, Robinson and Nel (1989a) found that harvest timing could be effective up to the second ratoon at 1000 plants /ha, up (-), yield per ha (---) and annual yield/ha ( ... ) for 'Williams' banana according to four density levels and five crop cycles. Similarly in South Africa, Robinson and Nel (1989a) found that harvest timing could be effective up to the second ratoon at 1000 plants /ha, up (-), yield per ha (---) and annual yield/ha ( ... ) for 'Williams' banana according to four density levels and five crop cycles.…”

“…Canopy characteristics such as leaf area index (LAI) and transmission of photosynthetically-active radiation (PAR) can be used to correlate with optimum density. With very vigorous 'Williams' banana in South Africa, the peak LAI (at flowering) for maximum gross margin per hectare was 5.0, and this occurred at 1666 plants/ha (Robinson and Nel, 1989a). Transmission of PAR to ground level was 2 and 13%, respectively.…”

“…In respect of plantation life, it can be clearly demonstrated that a short life of one or two cycles will permit a much higher optimum density than a plantation which continues for five or more ratoon cycles (Robinson and Nel, 1989a).…”

“…The harvesting period becomes similarly spread out and is unrelated to season, unlike most treefruit crops. With AAA 'Williams' in the subtropics, Robinson and Nel (1989a) showed that cumulative time from planting to harvest of the fifth cycle (fourth ratoon) took 78 months at 2222 plants/ha compared with 59 months at 1000 plants/ha. crop to crop cycle time.…”