ISHS Acta Horticulturae 490: I International Symposium on Banana in the Subtropics
COMPARISON OF PROTECTED AND OPEN-AIR CULTIVATION OF GRANDE NAINE AND DWARF CAVENDISH BANANAS |
| Authors: | V. Galán Saúco, J. Cabrera Cabrera, P.M. Hernández Delgado, M.C. Rodríguez Pastor |
| Keywords: | Greenhouse, ecophisiology, cultural practices, phenology, environment |
| Abstract:
The influence of different greenhouse coverings on Grande Naine and Dwarf Cavendish, and the responses of these cultivars to protected cultivation as opposed to open-air plantation, are evaluated. The trial was carried out during four cycles, at a planting density of 2,000 plants/ha (except for the first cycle, which was planted at double this density). Three coverings were tested: coarse-mesh netting providing 22% shade and 46% air passage, fine-mesh netting providing 27% shade and 33% air passage, and 720-gauge translucent polyethylene film. The bioclimatic data registered in all cases were: Photosynthetically active radiation (PAR), relative humidity and air temperatures (at 150 and 400 cm heights), as well as soil temperature (at 20 cm depth). The polyethylene-covered greenhouse registered the highest PAR and temperatures of all the coverings. The effects of each type of covering are discussed, particularly those influencing leaf emission rates, evaluating morphology, phenology, production, and quality. Total production as well as fruit length and caliber were higher for Grande Naine compared with Dwarf Cavendish. In all cases, greenhouse cultivation produced heavier bunches and higher yields (>20%) compared with the open-air plantation; of the three covering materials, the fine-mesh netting was the least favourable in terms of annual yield. | |
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