Enhancing bunch and fruit quality in plantains (Musa sp. AAB group)

Fruit weight and size are important commercial criteria for bananas. This book reports the effect of three chicken manure rates (0, 10 and 20 t/ha) and three bunch pruning intensities (0, 20 and 40%) on fruit metric traits, and pulp colour (carotene content) of 'PITA 24' and 'Mbi-Egome' plantains. The layout was split-split plot in randomized complete blocks. Results showed that both clones had similar growth variables, but 'PITA 24' produced significantly (p<0.05) heavier bunches, with more hands and fruits per bunch. 'Mbi-Egome' however had significantly (p<0.05) higher bunch-fill index (BFI), fruit edible proportion (FEP), pulp dry matter content (PDMC) and pulp carotene. Manured plants had significant (p<0.05) yield improvement over the control plants; however, there was yield decline at 20 tonnes rate. The 20% pruned plants produced the heaviest bunches with properly filled fruits. Bunch weight was similar in no-prune and 40% pruned bunches. Significant improvements in fruit size, BFI, FEP, PDMC and pulp colour were observed as pruning intensified. The study showed that harvest size and quality of plantain fruits could be improved through manuring and bunch pruning management.