Effect of Minor Nutrient Elements and Magnesium Upon the Growth, Development, and Yields of Plantains

Abstract

Experimental data are presented here on the effect of minor elements and magnesium upon the growth, development, and yield of plantains of the Enano cultivar. The experiment was located on a Lares clay of the Corozal area. The treatments included: 1, Soil applications of complete fertilizer (NPK, minor elements, and magnesium) vs. NPK only and 2, foliar sprays of the same complete fertilizer previously mentioned vs. sprays wherein each one of the elements under study (Mg, Fe, Mn, B, Zn, Cu, Mo) was omitted from the spray solution for a given treatment. Data were collected as to height of plants and trunk circumference at 5 and 10 months, number of dry leaves and suckers at 5 months, green leaves at 10 months, mean yields (weight), number of fruits, and number of hands per acre. A study of the data shows that the application of minor elements and magnesium to the soil increased the weight and number of fruit and hands of plantains per acre. Their application also affected the growth and development of the plantain plants as measured by plant height, and number of dry leaves, green leaves, and suckers. Foliar sprays of nutrients at the rate used were not as effective as soil applications of fertilizers. The omission of Fe and Zn from the nutrient sprays caused marked reductions in yields.