Evaluation of Banana Cultivars for Fruit Quality and Yield Performance under the Agroclimatic Conditions of Marathwada
Amrapali Omprakash Shinde *
Cotton Research Station M.B. Farm, VNMKV Parbhani 431402, Maharashtra, India.
S. B. Borgaonkar
Cotton Research Station M.B. Farm, VNMKV Parbhani 431402, Maharashtra, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the fruit quality attributes and yield performance of three banana cultivars, namely Williams, Grand Naine and Ardhapuri, under the agroclimatic conditions of the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, and to identify the cultivar with superior performance.
Study Design: The experiment was conducted using a randomised block design (RBD) comprising three treatments and eight replications.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Banana Research Station, Nanded, Maharashtra. The experimental duration was not specified in the information provided.
Methodology: Three banana cultivars, Williams, Grand Naine and Ardhapuri, were evaluated for fruit quality and yield parameters. The observations included reducing sugar content, total sugar content, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity, TSS:acid ratio, pulp weight, pulp:peel ratio, hand weight, bunch weight and average yield. Cultivar performance was compared using the recorded experimental observations.
Results: Williams recorded the highest reducing sugar content (11.16%), total sugar content (14.66%), pulp weight (98.13 g), pulp:peel ratio (2.44), hand weight (1.97 kg), bunch weight (18.22 kg) and average yield (80.99 t ha⁻¹). Ardhapuri recorded the highest TSS (21.10%) and TSS:acid ratio (118.84), indicating favourable soluble solids and sugar–acid balance. Grand Naine exhibited the lowest titratable acidity (0.16%) and an average yield of 80.40 t ha⁻¹, comparable to that of Williams. Several fruit quality and yield attributes differed significantly among the cultivars; however, Williams and Grand Naine were comparable in bunch weight and average yield.
Conclusion: Williams performed better in most of the evaluated fruit quality and yield parameters, particularly sugar content, pulp characteristics and bunch yield. Ardhapuri showed potential for desirable fruit quality based on its higher TSS and TSS:acid ratio, while Grand Naine maintained yield performance comparable to Williams. These findings suggest that cultivar selection may influence banana fruit quality and productivity under the agroclimatic conditions of the Marathwada region.
Keywords: Ardhapuri, banana cultivars, fruit quality, Grand Naine, Williams, yield performance