(click for large image)
Photo from Kiangwaci Self Help Group.
Note: Recommended spacing is 5m row, 4m inter row. Only green fresh
leaves should be left. Intercropping is recommended in early stages of
growth.
PLANTING
At least 2 feet (0.6m) deep and 2 feet in diameter and filled with
topsoil mixed with organic manure. For areas with frequent droughts,
larger pits of about 5 feet (1.5m) in diameter and 3 feet (0.9 M) deep
are recommended.
SPACING depends on variety, such that tall variety be spaced 5m by 4m
giving 400 plants per acre as short varieties be spaced 3m by 3m
giving population of 1000 plants per acre or 2500 plants per hectare.
It is recommended to cover the planted suckers with mulch to regulate
moisture losses.
MOST SUITABLE PLANTING period is towards the end of the dry season, or
at the beginning of the rainy season.
Fruiting plant should support by stacking. Each stand to have at most
three plants at different stages for bigger bunches bearing.
PLANTING MATERIAL SELECTION: Young healthy suckers/rhizomes free from
pests and diseases are suitable for planting to avoid disease spread
in the farm. Farm in existence for over 7 years is not good source of
planting material as it has accumulated a lot of pests and diseases.
FIELD MANAGEMENT: Proper spacing, water provision, desuckering,
pruning are field management practices that will last health banana
groove for more than 10 years of good yield.
DIESASE AND PEST MANAGEMENT:
· Plant healthy suckers free from pests and diseases.
· Maintain proper spacing.
· Uproot and burn diseased material.
· Treat infected soil by fumigants
YIELD.
Yield will depend on field management, banana variety and seasonal
conditions experienced after fruiting.
Green banana for cooking yields between 15- 40 kg bunch with potential
of 60kg in average managed fields.
Ripening or Yellow banana gives yield 10- 30 kg with potential of 50kg
a bunch.
By Joseph Orende for karia community
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