1. Propagation Of Banana

2. Propagation of Banana Introduction Banana is a tropical crop, requiring warm, humid climate. Banana grows well at temperature range of 15ºC to 35ºC with a relative humidity of 75 to 85%. Banana requires average rainfall of 650 to750 mm

3. Propagation of Banana Banana must be planted in rich, well-drained soil (Fig.) for commercial production. Acid soils with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5 are preferred. Banana crop do not grow well in salty soils Introduction

4. Propagation of Banana Banana plants do not produce viable seeds and hence it is exclusively propagated by vegetative means. Banana crop is propagated by rhizomes, suckers and bits. Propagation Banana rhizomes or corms Banana suckers

5. Propagation of Banana The most common propagation material is suckers. Maidenhead, a large non- fruiting pseudo-stem (with roots and some rhizome); Propagation There are 3 types of suckers: Sword sucker, a sucker attached to the original (mother) rhizome with narrow sword-like leaves, and; Water sucker, a sucker next to but only superficially attached to the mother rhizome with broad leaves.

6. Propagation of Banana Large sword suckers and maidenheads are the preferred planting material. Propagation Sword sucker Water sucker Water suckers produce inferior fruit and are therefore not recommended.

7. Propagation of Banana Select sword suckers with the following features. Propagation A well developed rhizome Conical shape With lanceolate leaves Actively growing central bud Weighing 500 to 750 g

8. Propagation of Banana Trim the roots and decayed portion of the corm. Propagation Separate the sword suckers free from diseases and nematodes from the mother plant. Grade the suckers according to size and cut the pseudo- stem 20 cm from the corm.

9. Propagation of Banana Propagation For controlling wilt disease in Rasthali, Monthan, Neyvannan, Virupakshi varieties, the corm is dipped in 0.1% Emisan solution (1 g in 1 lit of water) for 5 minutes after removal of the infected parts of the corm. The corms are shade dried for 24 hours before planting.

10. Propagation of Banana Propagation Nematodes are controlled by dipping the corm in a slurry solution prepared with 4 parts of clay and 5 parts of water. Sprinkle 40 g of Carbofuran in the slurry solution. Alternately, the corms are dipped with 0.75% Monocrotophos. Well-developed rhizomes with dormant lateral buds and ‘dead’ central bud are used in western and central Maharashtra.

11. Propagation of Banana Planting Usually planting is done during June-July. However, Cultivar, agro-climatic conditions and market demand determines the time of planting Sigatoka-susceptible banana cultivars must be planted to avoid bunch emergence in monsoon.

12. Propagation of Banana Planting Dwarf varieties are planted in furrows with spacing 1.5 x 1.5 m with 4444 plants per ha Tall varieties are spaced 2 to 3 m apart.