Effect of Planting Season on Yield and Other Horticultural Traits of the Horn-Type Plantain Maricongo (Musa acuminata x M. balbisiana, AAB) in North-Central Puerto Rico

Abstract

The influence of time of planting on yield and plant, bunch, and fruit characteristic of the Maricongo plantain was determined on bimonthly plantings at the Corozal Substation from May 1972 to March 1974. Time of planting affected bunch weight, number of marketable fruits, hands, and fruit size. A schedule of planting during the first half of January, July, September, November, and December is suggested for this area to reduce seasonal effects and avoid the usual summer surplus.