Phenology and yield of banana cultivars in Assis, São Paulo State, Brazil

Abstract

The recommendation of new cultivars of banana (Musa sp.) must be based on studies of characterization and evaluation of these materials in different ecosystems. This study aimed to evaluate genotypes of banana crop, with respect to the vegetation, phenological and productive behavior in the  environmental conditions in the municipality of Assis, São Paulo state. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with seven  treatments and three replications. The cultivars evaluated were Caipira, Thap Maeo, Prata Zulu, Preciosa, Maravilha, Nanicão IAC 2001 and Nanicão Jangada. The cultivar Nanicão Jangada showed better performance for most vegetative characters and production. The cultivars Prata Zulu and Thap Maeo showed yield behavior similar to Nanicão Jangada, being a good alternative for cultivation in the region. The cultivars Preciosa and Maravilha showed early maturity behavior in comparison with other genotypes, while Nanicão IAC 2001, Nanicão Jangada, Caipira, and Thap Maeo presented intermediary cycles. The cultivar Prata Zulu had the longest cycle, with the longest plantingflowering period, but the shortest flowering-harvest period.