Evaluation of Growth, Phenology and Finger Characteristics of Williams, Grand Naine and Ardhapuri Banana Cultivars under the Agroclimatic Conditions of Nanded, Maharashtra, India
Amrapali Omprakash Shinde *
Cotton Research Station M.B. Farm, VNMKV Parbhani 431402, Maharashtra, India.
G. M. Waghmare
Department Horticulture, VNMKV Parbhani 431402, Maharashtra, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To evaluate and compare the vegetative growth, flowering behaviour, crop duration and selected finger characteristics of Williams, Grand Naine and Ardhapuri banana cultivars under the agroclimatic conditions of Nanded, Maharashtra.
Study Design: The experiment was conducted using a randomised block design with three treatments and eight replications.
Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was conducted at the Banana Research Station, Nanded, Maharashtra, India. Crop growth observations were recorded periodically from 60 to 300 days after planting (DAP).
Methodology: Three banana cultivars, namely Williams (V1), Grand Naine (V2) and Ardhapuri (V3), were evaluated for plant height, pseudostem girth, leaf number, leaf dimensions, leaf area, sucker production, flowering behaviour, crop duration and finger characteristics. The experimental data were subjected to analysis of variance, and treatment means were compared using Duncan’s multiple range test at the 5% significance level.
Results: Grand Naine recorded the highest plant height (182.38 cm) and pseudostem girth (65.50 cm) at 300 DAP. Williams recorded the highest leaf area (7,522.40 cm²) and sucker production (5.31 per plant), exhibited the earliest flowering (225.12 days) and had the shortest crop duration (325.22 days). Williams also recorded the greatest finger length (21.39 cm) and finger weight (138.22 g), whereas Ardhapuri recorded the greatest finger girth (12.19 cm). Ardhapuri exhibited the latest flowering (245.47 days) and the longest crop duration (365.82 days).
Conclusion: The three cultivars exhibited distinct differences in vegetative growth, phenological development and selected finger characteristics under the agroclimatic conditions of Nanded. Williams showed advantages in earliness and selected finger traits, whereas Grand Naine performed better in certain vegetative growth parameters. However, total bunch yield per hectare, biochemical fruit quality parameters, particularly titratable acidity, and economic cost–benefit analysis were not assessed in the present investigation. Therefore, the findings provide a comparative assessment of selected agronomic traits rather than a comprehensive evaluation of commercial viability. Further studies incorporating yield, fruit quality and economic parameters across multiple seasons and locations are required to establish the overall production potential and commercial suitability of these cultivars.
Keywords: Ardhapuri, banana cultivars, crop duration, finger characteristics, vegetative growth