Give an account of the production of banana, using the following sub-headings: (a) one common variety; (b) planting materials; (c) propagation; (d) husbandr...
Question 1 Report
Give an account of the production of banana, using the following sub-headings: (a) one common variety; (b) planting materials; (c) propagation; (d) husbandry; (e) two common pests; (f) two common diseases and how each is controlled; (g) maturity period.
Answer Details
Production of banana
(a) One common variety: Gros Michel (also Cavendish / Dwarf Cavendish).
(b) Planting materials: Suckers (sword suckers) and rhizome/corm pieces (bits); tissue-cultured plantlets may also be used.
(c) Propagation: Banana is propagated vegetatively (asexually), mainly by planting suckers or corm pieces in prepared holes at the correct spacing (about 3 m x 3 m).
(d) Husbandry: Clear and prepare the land, dig holes and plant suckers at the onset of the rains. Apply manure/fertilizer, mulch to conserve moisture, weed regularly, and irrigate in the dry season. Remove excess suckers (de-suckering), prop/support fruiting stems, and remove the male bud (de-belling); control pests and diseases.
(e) Two common pests: banana weevil (borer) and nematodes (also aphids, thrips).
(f) Two common diseases and their control:
- Panama disease (fusarium wilt): control by planting resistant varieties, crop rotation and using clean planting material.
- Sigatoka (black/yellow leaf spot): control by spraying fungicides, removing and burning infected leaves and ensuring good spacing/drainage.
(g) Maturity period: The bunch is usually ready for harvest about 9 to 12 months after planting.
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