Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

EFFECT OF POTASSIUM AND MAGNESIUM ON VEGETATIVE GROWTH AND BUNCH WEIGHT OF BANANA CV. GRAND NAINE UNDER SOUTH GUJARAT CONDITIONS, INDIA

B. B. Patel, T. R. Ahlawat, D. R. Bhanderi, N. J. Ghadage and S.A. Hiray

Abstract

An investigation was initiated at Regional Horticultural Research Station, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari during 2013-14 and 2014-15 to assess the effect of different sources and levels of potassium with and without magnesium on different growth parameters and bunch weight of banana cv. Grand Naine grown under South Gujarat conditions. There was a significant impact of potassic fertilizers and magnesium on all characters chosen for this study. The maximum plant height, pseudostem girth, number of leaves per plant was recorded with the application of 100% RDK through SOP in three equal splits with 30g MgSO4 per plant in pooled data, seven months after planting and at the time of harvesting. It also registered the highest chlorophyll content and bunch weight. Whereas, leaf area and Leaf Area Index was maximum under 100% RDK through SOP in three equal splits throughout the trial for 2014-15 and pooled data.