Effect of Plant Population and Distribution on Yields of Plantains

Abstract

With 10-foot rows, plantain yields increased from 21,950 to 31,000 fruits per acre when population was increased from 725 to 1,090 plants per acre. Planting 1,450 plants per acre with 10-foot rows did not further increase yields, but planting 1,450 plants per acre, approximately on the square, (5 ft. X 6 ft.) increased yields to 39,080 fruits per acre. Bunch and fruit size were not affected by the population levels tested. Yields obtained with 1.450 plants per acre were about twice those obtained with the 700 plants per acre commonly used in Puerto Rico. Strong winds and nematode infestations resulted in heavy loss of plants by toppling shortly before or after fruiting, particularly with 1,450 plants per acre. Weeding costs decreased with increasing population and sucker growth was delayed in high populations until harvesting was well underway.