On-farm testing of different bunch cover materials to improve fruit quality of banana cv. grand Nain under high density planting during winter season

Abstract

An On Farm Testing of bunch covering materials on improving the fruit quality of banana cultivar Grand Nain was conducted during winter season on farmer’s field at Kolhari village, Gudihatnoor mandal, Adilabad district, Telangana, India. Bunch covers play a vital role in modifying the microclimate around developing fruits, enhancing fruit size and reducing surface blemishes. Traditionally, natural materials like dry banana leaves (DBL) and Jute bags (JB) were used, but modern alternatives such as transparent polyethylene (TPB), silver non-woven polypropylene bags (S-NWPB), and red and green leno bags (RLB and GLB) were commercially used and their effect on fruit quality in winter season was not well studied. Among the bunch covering materials, the RLB and GLB showed promising results as their bunch weights and extended shelf life. Early fruit maturity was observed in TPB bunches, and increased the number of fingers per hand, and improved fruit quality by raising total soluble solids. The RLB and GLB were resulted in higher additional income and an improved incremental benefit-cost ratio compared to un-covered bunches. The minimal chilling injury scores (1.16), thrips damage scores (0.33), and fruit scarring beetle incidence (0.69%) were observed RLB and GLB covered bunches when compared to control. Use of RLB or GLB bunch covers proved as valuable and economical practice for improving the fruit yield and quality there by higher returns to the farmers.