Studies on bunch cultural practices to optimize bunch and finger characters in banana (Musa AAA Robusta)

The present investigations were carried out to standardize bunch cultural practices for improving bunch and finger characters of banana variety Robusta. Fourteen different treatments (including control) were given in the experiment. The treatments comprised of various combinations of growth regulators (GA 50 ppm and NAA 25 ppm) and organic sprays (vermiwash, cow urine, coconut water) as well as cultural practices (dehanding one or two apical hands, bunch cover using polythene tube) along with a control (without any treatment). The growth regulators and organic sprays were applied one month after emergence of the bunch. The bunch weight, bunch length, weight of hands, weight of fingers and pulp weight increased while bunch maturity period decreased by the application of the treatment that consisted of removing one apical hand and spraying with 50 ppm GA one month after bunch emergence. The results also showed that bunch shape index and finger girth increased when the treatment of removal of two apical hands along with spraying of 50 ppm GA one month after bunch emergence was given. The finger length and number of fingers falling in the acceptable range were also improved by application of GA 50 ppm clubbed with dehandling of one or two apical hands.