Growth and chlorophyll content of banana suckers in function of pseudostem suppression and doses of nitrogen and boron

Abstract

The objective of this research was to evaluate the influence of the removal in the pseudostem with elimination of the meristem apical of the rhizome and doses of nitrogen and boron, about the production and growth of banana suckers. The experiment was carried out at Centro de Formação de Tecnólogos - UFPB, State of Paraíba. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with four replications and nine mother plants for experimental unit, being two useful plants. The evaluated valued factors were doses of N (0 to 240 g plant^-1) and of B (0 to 240 g plant^-1) combined in agreement with the experimental matrix Central Composite, originating nine combinations, which were arranged factorially with suppression and without suppression of the pseudostem of the mother plant. The data were submitted the variance analysis and of regression. The suppression in the pseudostem of the mother plant with elimination of the apical meristem of the rhizome increased the sucker number, with larger growth, except of the diameter of the rhizome which it reduced. In the plants with suppression, it reduced the sucker number which presented smaller growth. On the other hand, it increased the content of total chlorophyll. For the production of Pacovan banana suckers, is recommended the suppression in the pseudostem of the mother plant with elimination of the meristem apical of the rhizome and the application of the N.