The Effect of Manganese Fertilizer, Gandasil D, and Vitamin B₁ on the Acclimatization of Cavendish Banana Seedlings

Acclimatization is a critical stage in the cultivation of Cavendish banana, particularly in the adaptation of tissue culture-derived seedlings to external environmental conditions. Essential micronutrients such as manganese play an important role in supporting this process. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of manganese fertilizer concentrations, types of fertilizers (Gandasil D and vitamin B₁), and their interactions on the acclimatization of Cavendish banana seedlings. The research was conducted at the In Vitro Culture Laboratory of KB TPH Salaman, Magelang Regency, at an altitude of 360 meters above sea level, from October to December 2021. A two-factor Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used, with manganese concentrations (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 ppm) as the first factor, and types of fertilizers (control, Gandasil D only, and Gandasil D + vitamin B₁) as the second factor. The results showed that manganese concentration alone did not significantly affect plant height, number of leaves, leaf area, photosynthesis rate, transpiration, stomatal conductance, photosynthetically active radiation, and total chlorophyll content. However, the interaction between manganese concentration and fertilizer type had a highly significant effect on chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and the chlorophyll a/b ratio. These findings highlight the importance of combining micronutrient application with appropriate fertilizer types to enhance the efficiency of Cavendish banana seedling acclimatization.