Effect of Planting Pattern and Population Density on Yield and Quality of the Horn-Type Maricongo Plantain (Musa acuminata x M. balbisiana, AAB) in North-Central Puerto Rico

Abstract

The effect of plant spacing on yields and quality of Maricongo plantains (Musa acuminata x M. balbisiana, AAB) was determined in an Ultisol at the Corozal Substation. The highest yields, without detriment to bunch and fruit size, were obtained with 1,742 plants/acre (4,303 plants/ha) spaced at 5 x 5 ft (1.5 x 1.5 m). At this spacing combined production of the plant and ratoon crops was 119,356 marketable fruits/acre, weiging 33.4 tons (294, 809 fruits/ha weighing 73.5 t/ha). Even assuming a 20% loss under commercial management, these yields represent a net production of 95,485 fruits/acre weighing 26.7 tons (235,847 fruits/ha weighing 58.7 t/ha) over a 30-month period.