Effect of paclobutrazol application and bunch covering on productivity and quality of banana

Purpose: The experiment aimed to evaluate the effect and optimal dose of paclobutrazol, and appropriacy of bunch covering materials on productivity and quality of banana. Research method: This study was laid out following a randomized complete block design with four replications. The experiment consisted of two factors namely Factor A: Different doses of paclobutrazol i.e. no paclobutrazol, 1 g/L paclobutrazol and 2 g/L palobutrazol and Factor B: bunch covering i.e. control (no polythene covering), white polythene covering and blue polythene covering. Paclobutrazol was sprayed 2 times; firstly, at fruit set stage and secondly, one month after 1st spray. Findings: The treatments showed significant effect on the yield as well as qualitative traits of banana. Paclobutrazol sprayed plants performed better than non-paclobutrazol treated plants. Application of paclobutrazol (2 g/L) and blue bunch covering banana contained higher amount of sugar. However, blue and white polythene had no significant effect on color measurement of banana peel. Paclobutrazol (1g/L) and white polythene treated bunch produced the highest bunch weight (24.91 kg), pulp:peel ratio (3.57), fibre content (4.20%) while no polythene treated with no paclobutrazol produced the lowest bunch weight (16.77 kg), pulp:peel ratio (1.89), fibre content (2.60%) of banana. These results generally prove that paclobutrazol application could potentially be used to improve crop productivity and their quality value. Research limitations: There were no limitations identified. Originality/Value: Paclobutrazol (1mg/L) with white polythene as bunch covering resulted in the maximum banana production and quality when compared to other treatment combinations, without compromising of human health and environmental sustainability.