Banana : Botanical name ; Musa sapientum.
Some varieties are;
[1] Gross michel
[2]. Musa cavendishii
[3]. Lacatan
[4]. Red banana.
Weather Requirements ; Temperature of 21°c - 35°c, rainfall of 150cm - 200cm per annum .it can also be grown in area with low wind storm.
Soil Requirement ; well drained rich loamy soil or clay loamy soil with a pH 6.
Land Preparation ; The bush must be cleared then stumped ploughed ,harrowed and ridged . the land to be used must be choiced.
Planting materials:
(a) Waters shoot or bit (portion of old stump with an eye )
(b) Piper (sucker)
(C) Sword sucker
(d) Maiden sucker
Banana is propagated vegetatively.
Planting period: April September.
Spacing: 4.6m x 4.6m or 4m x 4m or 2 4 the variety. ' m X 3m depending on the variety
Planting Depth: The hole should be 60cm x 60cm. Fertilizer Application
1, Sulphate of ammonia at 380kg/ha.
2, Super phosphate at the rate of 380kglha.
3, Muriate of potash at the rate of 360kg/ha.
Pruning: Done regularly so as to remove overcrowded sucker Weeding: This should be done regularly.
Mulching: This prevents evaporation.
Maturity: 1 2 years, 6 12 months depending on variety.
Harvesting
l. Cut the bunch stalk with snarp knife or cutlass.
!. The pseudostem is sometimes cut down.
Storage:
[1] Banana does not store well, but the fruits (lingers) can be stored in a refrigerator.
[2] Processed into juice which is stored in cans.
Diseases and Pests of Banana.
[1].Eelworm (Rhodopholus similis): It attacks the roots of Lacatan, cavendishii and Robusta thereby creating galls in the roots. Banana Borer: The larvae of this insect bore hole into the corn the plant. [3]. Bats ; They eat up the ripe fruits.
[4]. Monkey ; They also eat up banana fruits.
Control of pests.
[1]. Uproot and burn affected plants.
[2]. Setting of traps.
[3]. Early harvesting of fruits.