Growing Better Bananas
Increased Fruit Quality
Banana fruit has quality problems because it is inherently low in calcium due to the physiology of the crop. The large leaves shade the fruit and most of the water taken up by the plant is directed to the leaves. As calcium moves with transpiration water this means the leaves get a disproportionately high level of calcium and the roots and fruit a lower level. The problem is particularly bad in Banana, as the fruit does not produce seed and is low in auxin which means that it can not compete for calcium effectively with the leaves (auxin levels help direct the flow of calcium). Fruit quality can be improved by spraying the Bunches with Speedo Balance. This will improve quality, shape, size, and storage life of the fruit.
Producing More Hands per Bunch
Regular applications of PiNT Calcium will increase the number of hands that can be produced on each bunch. This is because the shape of the crop is improved by enlarging the root system. Plants with better root systems are able to support more fruit and the plant produces more hands before fruit abortion occurs.
Improving growth in temperature extremes
During cool or hot temperatures the crops ability to synthesise growth hormones declines disproportionately to give a slow-down in development, and often a quality reduction. Normal balance can be restored by application of InCa to give improved growth and quality during temperature extremes.
Extending Shelf Life
Shelf life of fruit is controlled by ethylene, which encourages the breakdown of compounds that bind together the cells in the fruit, and weakens cell walls. Fruit shelf life is usually controlled post harvest by limiting ethylene production using chilling, or controlled atmosphere storage. By loading the fruits cells with calcium using Speedo Balance, or PiNT Calcium the cells in the fruit become less susceptible to ethylene following harvest – thus increasing shelf life and improving other quality aspects.
Improving Shape of fruit
Temperature and light determine the degree of curvature in the banana finger. During cool or very hot conditions fingers can become more curved and quality decreases. The reason for this is hormonal, in cold, hot and shaded conditions the plants ability to produce auxin declines.
Straighter fingers can be produced by applying InCa in temperature extremes, as a foliar spray applied to the bunch. The natural growth stimulants contained in the products are designed to promote better growth in these conditions. Even in normal temperatures use of these products will further improve the shape and size of the fruit.
Healthy Root Systems
If plants are growing on salty or high sodium soils, or trees are subject to soil-borne diseases or pests then it is likely that the root system is in decline or is poorly developed. The root system can reinvigorate using PiNT Calcium, which will improve root growth and health and suppress sodium uptake. Improving root health is also beneficial in reducing nematode attack.
Rates and Recommendations for Banana
Speedo Balance
Application rate: 2-3lts per ha as foliar spray in minimum 100lts water. Or use a 0.5% spray solution and spray till run-off.
Timing: 15 day intervals throughout the season. Or spray the bunch with a 1% solution from production of the 4th hand - until bagging, or harvest.
PiNT Calcium
Soil Application: up-to 300lts per ha per season split into applications of 25-50lts. Suitable for drip systems.
Foliar Application: 5-10 lts per ha, or 1% spray solution and spray till run-off.
Timing: Soil - 15-20 day intervals from 6 leaf stage. Or apply 0.25 lts per mat three times per season.
Foliar – Throughout season from 6 leaf stage.
PiNT Potassium
Soil Application: up-to 100lts per ha per season split into applications of 25-50lts.
Foliar Application: 5-10 lts/ha, or 1% spray solution and spray till run-off.
Timing: 15-20 day intervals following flowering.
InCa
Application rate: 1lt per ha either as a foliar or through drip irrigation system.
Timing: Heat or cold stress - apply at 20 day intervals during periods of excess temperatures.
Fruit Quality - foliar apply to bunch at 15 day intervals from production of 4th hand until bagging or harvest.
Speedo Saxon
Application Rate – 2lts per ha.
Timing Apply at 3 week intervals from flowering until harvest to increase number of hands.
