Department of Horticulture, R.A.U., Pusa, Samastipur (Bihar)
The growth of fruits of banana cultivars Malbhog (AAB) and Basrai (AAA) were studied at weekly intervals from fruit set to maturity. The fruits took 14 weeks from fruit set to maturity in both the cultivars. The length and perimeter of Malbhog increased from 7.88 to 12.77cm and 6.12 to 13.10cm from first week to fourteenth week respectively. Similarly, for Basrai, the increase was from 8.21 to 13.20 cm for length and 5.90 to 13.0cm for perimeter respectively. The sharp reduction in peel weight and gradual increase in pulp weight was observed at maturity. The fruit weight/length ratio increased gradually upto maturity in both cultivars. The highest positive significant correlation in yield was observed with other traits. The regression of yield on pulp and peel weight were significant indicating the response of these factors on the weight of fruits of both cultivars.
