Response of banana to nitrogen application at vegetative and reproductive phases of growth

Different levels of N (200, 250, 300 and 350 g/plant) were applied during vegetative and reproductive periods in variety Nendran (Musa AAB). The results showed that applying 200g N in 4+3 splits as 150g N at vegetative period (30, 75, 120 and 165 days after planting) and 50g N at reproductive period (210, 225 and 240 days after planting) favoured better plant growth and bunch weight. However, increasing the nitrogen dose above 150g at vegetative period and 50g at reproductive period did not improve the bunch weight significantly. The marginal benefit cost ratio due to N fertilizer applying till reproductive period was very high (Rs. 7.15).