Bunch covers, leaf number and yield of bananas

Abstract

The effects of plastic bunch covers and varying defoliation treatments on bunch weight were measured on Williams bananas at Alstonville in north-eastern New South Wales. Bunch covers did not significantly affect bunch weight. The number of leaves left on the plant at bunch emergence only reduced yield when less than four leaves were present. Leaf length duration was calculated and was positively related to bunch weight. Bunch covers did not alter the relationship between leaf number and yield. The rate of sucker growth and water relations within the plants were altered by defoliation treatments. Both of these effects were greatest when less than three leaves were left on the plant.