Impact of shade net cultivation on banana yield and quality

Abstract Improving banana productivity in subtropical regions under increasing environmental pressure is crucial for food security. This study, conducted from 2021 to 2023 in southern Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran, investigated the potential of shade net cultivation to mitigate environmental stress and enhance Dwarf Cavendish banana productivity. A comparative treatment of shade net and open-field cultivation methods for Dwarf Cavendish bananas was conducted to examine the growth and yield of both mother plants and their first-generation ratoon crops. Shade net cultivation notably improved plant growth, accelerated flowering and fruit ripening, and increased fruit size, weight, and yield. Specifically, the yields increased by 27.6 and 30.7% for the mother plants and first-generation ratoons, respectively. Shade nets also reduced heat and wind stress and eliminated fruit sunburn. These results demonstrate that net shade cultivation can enhance banana yield and quality under typical subtropical climatic conditions.