Regarding the ecology and climate of Musaceae species crops, tropical zones are optimal for the development of banana cultivation, since they are humid and warm. The climatic conditions where the production areas are located affect the growth and development of the crop.
▶ Altitude influences the length of the vegetative period; however, the appropriate altitude for plantain planting is from sea level to 2,000 meters above sea level.
▶ Credits: panorama. – [Image of Public Domain]
The optimum temperature for plantain cultivation is 26ºC. This factor is the one that most affects the frequency of leaf emission and can lengthen or shorten the vegetative cycle.
Banana cultivation requires 120 to 150 mm of well-distributed rainfall per month or 1,800 mm per year for normal growth and good production. Plantain roots are shallow, so the plant is affected by even the slightest water deficit.
However, the phenomenon of flooding can be more serious than the slightest water deficit, since the roots are destroyed and the number of leaves and floral activity are reduced.
As for the wind, when it exceeds 20 km/hour, it produces rupture or tearing of the leaves, this phenomenon is common in banana crops; the damage that involves the bending of active leaves is a risk for the production of the plant, with regard to relative humidity, it affects the crop indirectly, because it favors the incidence of foliar diseases, especially those of fungal origin.
NOTE: Reference material.