Agronomic evalution of banana genotypes in the Siriji River Valley, Pernambuco State, Brazil

Abstract

Due the necessity in improve the banana production system in Pernambuco State, Brazil, mainly in Siriji River Valley, a trail was carried out in Vicência  County, with the objective to evaluate the behavior of seven banana genotypes (Pacovan Ken, PV 79-34, Japira, Preciosa, ST 12-31, YB 42-03 and YB 42-07)  during two production cycles, using randomized complete blocks with four replicates and 12 plants per plot. The following characters had been considered: plant height; pseudostem circumference; number of leaves in the flowering and the harvest; number of days from plantation to the  flowering and the harvest; flowering-harvest interval; mass of bunch, hands and fingers; number of hands and fingers; fruit length and diameter; and skin thickness. In first cycle, fruit mass, length and skin thickness were the ones that presented significant difference. However, in second cycle, there was difference among the most evaluated characters. Japira, Preciosa and Pacovan Ken hybrids presented potential to the exploitation in the Siriji River Valley, due advantages observed in the vegetative and production characteristics, beyond good acceptation among banana farmers, in relation to agronomic characteristics.