الفهرس 
المقدمهيوجد فقط 14 صفحة متاحة للعرض العام
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المستخلص
v. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
The present investigation was conducted during 2000101 and
2001/02 experimental seasons. Fourth and fifth Maghrabi banana ratoons
grown in clay loamy soil at Horticultural Research Station of EI-Khairia
Barrage were the plant material used in this study. Matsl plantation holes
were 3.5 x 3.5 meters apart with 3 reproductive suckers left annually for
the orchard successive cropping.
It was hoped to investigate the efficiency of some cheap and safe
N-K fertilizers sources viz Rhizobacterin, Baker,’ yeast and liquid
potassium 36% when applied additionally in order to meet the higher
quantities of both nutrient elements required by banana plant. So the
following four field experiments were included.
V. 1. Experiment, I:
In this experiment Rhizobacterin (N-biofertilizer) as an additional
N. application combined with three levels ofN-mineral fertilization,
beside control (the adopted N mineral fertilization in the region alone)
were investigated. So the N- treatments included were:
I-Control (500 g N 1plant).
2- Rhizobacterin + 500 g N 1 plant.
3- Rhizobacterin + 400 g N 1 plant.
4- Rhizobacterin + 300 g N 1 plant. _
The corresponding quantity ofN mineral source 1 (NH 4), S04 was
fractionated into equal doses applied at 15 days interval (from mid March
till early October); while Rhizobacterin was added once a year in March
at the rate of one liter of newly prepared diluted solution per plant.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
V. H. Experiment, II:
Baker,’ yeast as an additional bio-N fertilizer at 50 & 100 g / plant
in combination with two levels of mineral N fertilizer [(NH4)2 S04 at
either 300 or 500 g actual N/plant] and the adopted mineral N fertilizer in
the region (500 g N / plant) as control were investigated. Mineral N
fertilizer was applied as previously mentioned in experiment, while
suspended Baker,’ yeast was soil drench applied by dividing the
corresponding amount (50 or 100 g / plant) into four equal doses
periodically added at one month interval (from July till October).
Thus, the investigated treatments in this experiment were as
fallows:
1- Adopted mineral N fertilization in the region as control [500 g actual
N in the form of (NH4)2 S04].
2- 500 g actualN as (NI-14hS04 + 100 g Baker,’ yeast / plant.
3- 500g actual N as (NH4h S04 + 50 g Baker,’ yeast / plant.
4- 300 g actual N as (NH4)2 S04 + 100 g Baker,’ yeast / plant.
5- 300 g actual N as (NH4)2 804 + 50 g Baker? yeast / plant.
V. III. Experiment, III:
In this experiment, four combinations between two rates of both
mineral and bio-K fertilizers (K,S04 & Baker,’ yeast), beside mineral K
fertilization alone ( at the adopted rate in the region) as control were
investigated. So the differential treatments were as fallows:
1- Adopted mineral K fertilization in the region as control (300 g actual
K, 0 in the form ofK2 804).
2- 300 g actual K, 0 as K2804 + 100 g Baker,’ yeast / plant.
3- 300 g actual K2 0 as K2804 + 50 g Baker,’ yeast / plant.
4- 150 g actual K, 0 as K2804 + 100 g Baker,’ yeast / plant.
( 198)
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
5- 150 g actual K2 0 as K2 804 + 50 g Baker,’ yeast / plant.
Taking into consideration that mineral K fertilizer corresponding to
every treatment was divided into two equal doses soil added in April &
June. While Baker,’ yeast was drench applied as previously discussed in
the 2”d expenm. ent.
V. IV. Experiment, IV:
In this experiment four K fertilization treatments (each at the rate
of 300 g actual K2 0) were included to investigate the effect of K source;
method and number of applicable doses.
Thus, the differential investigated treatments per plant were as
fallows:
1- Control (300 g actual K2 0 as K2 S04) fractionated into 2 equal doses
soil applied in April & June.
2- 300 g actual K2 0 in the form of K2 S04 fractionated into four equal
doses soil applied in Apr. ; Jun.; Aug. and Oct.
3- 225 g actual K2 0 as K2 S04 fractionated into 3 equal doses soil added
in Apr.; Jun. and Aug. + foliar spray with potassium 36* % once in
October at the rate of75 g actual K2 O.
4- 150 g actual K2 0 as K2 S04 fractionated into 2 equal doses soil added
in Apr. and Aug. + foliar spray with potassium 36* % twice in June
and October at the rate of75 g actual K2 0 per each.
Experimental layout:
The complete randomized block design with 3 replications was
employed in the conducted four experiments. Three stools / mats (with 3
* commercialK foliar fertilizer.- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
( 199 )
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
ratoons / plants per each) were devoted for every replicate. The influence
of the differential treatments included in the aforesaid 4 experiments were
investigated through the response of the following measurements:
1- Vegetative growth:
At the emergence of the inflorescence, pseudostem (height &
circumference); number of green leaves / plant; number of produced
suckers / plant and average leaf area (3 rd full sized one from the top) were
determined.
2- Nutritional status (leaf mineral composition):
LeafN; P; K; Fe; Mn; Zn and eu were determined.
3- Phenological phases:
Some phenological measurements i.e., duration from emergence of
sucker till inflorescence shooting phase and days from inflorescence
emergence (shooting) until harvesting stage were determined.
4- Cropping (productivity) measurements:
Average bunch weight (Kg.); N° of hands and fingers per bunch, as
well as bunch length were determined.
5- Fruit quality:
In this regard length; diameter; circumference; pedicel length, peel
weight, pulp % of finger and peel thickness, besides dry matter%. in pulp
was determined as fruit physical properties. Moreover, pulp TSS; acidity;
TSS/ acid ratio; starch; total sugars; N; P and K contents were determined
as chemical characteristic.
(200 )
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
Obtained data could be summarized as follows:
v. I. Effect of Rhizobacterin as an additional bio-N fertilizer
..experiment, 1”:
Rhizobacterin (bio-N fertilizer) combined with (NH4h 804 as
mineral N form at 3 levels (500; 400 and 300g actual N / plant) besides
the adopted N fertilization rate in the region (500 g actual N) as control
were investigated regarding their influence on the following
measurements:
v. I. 1. Effect on vegetative growth:
Data obtained during both seasons revealed that the response of
five growth measurements pseudostem (height & circumference); N 0 of
green healthy leaves presented at bunch shooting; average leaf area and
number of arisen suckers per individual ratoon along its whole life to the
investing Rhizobacterin x (NH4h 804 combinations, followed generally
the same trend .Hence, Rhizobacterin combined with either the highest or
intermediate mineral N fertilizer (500 or 400 g actual N / plant) surpassed
two other N treatments i.e., control (500 g actual N / plant alone) and
(Rhizobacterin + the lower mineral N rate at 300 g actual N / plant). Such
trend was true during both seasons, whereas the superiority of both
combinations of Rhizobacterin plus either 500 or 400 g actual N / plant
over two other N treatments (control & Rhizobacterin + 300 g N / plant)
was significant except with N° of green leaves / plant which seemed to be
less pronounced and didn’t reach level of significance. Moreover, no
significant differences could be observed as both treatments (pairs) of
each category ( superior & inferior) were separately compared each other
for all growth parameters.
(201 )
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
v. I. 2. Effect on some phenological measurements:
Data obtained displayed that both phenological stages (durations
from sucker emergence till bunch shooting & from bunch shooting till
harvesting) didn’t equally respond to various bio-mineral N fertilization
treatments. Since, inflorescence emergence of treated Maghrabi banana
plants with Rhizobacterin combined to (NH 4h S04 at either 500 or 400 g
actual N / plant took place rapidly than control with about 3 or 2 weeks,
respectively as an average of two seasons was concerned. However the
duration required from bunch shooting till its harvesting didn’t
significantly respond to different N- treatments.
v. I. 3. Effect on leaf mineral contents (nutritional status):
Referring the leafN; P; K; Fe; Mn; Zn and Cu contents in response
to the differential Rhizobacterin x (N 144 ),SO4 combinations, data
obtained displayed that most nutrient elements. (P; K; Fe; Mn and Zn)
showed no considerable effect, whereas differences in their levels were so
slight and didn’t reach level of significance. However, both nitrogen and
copper showed a noticeable response, whereas both combinations of
Rhizobacterin with either higher (500) or intermediate (400) g actual N
per plant resulted significantly in increasing both nutrient elements over
control (500 g N / plant with no Rhizobacterin) and (Rhizobacterin + 300
g N / plant).
v. I. 4. Effect on some yield (productivity) measurements:
In this regard average bunch weight; number of both hands &
fingers per bunch and average bunch length were investigated as
productivity parameters. Data obtained during both seasons, pointed out
that both weight and length of bunch responded obviously, while two
(202 )
_______________ SUMMARy AND CONCLUSION
other parameters (No of hands & fingers f bunch) didn’t influence. Herein,
the Rhizobacterin treated Maghrabi plants in combination with
(NH4)2S04 at either 500 or 400 g actual per each (especially higher rate)
induced significantly the heaviest and tallest bunch. Taking into
consideration that Rhizobacterin + the least mineral N rate (300g actual
N) didn’t significantly vary than control (500 g mineral N alone).
V. I . 5. Effect on fruit quality:
V. I. 5. 1. Fruit physical properties:
Some measurements dealing with either dimensions f linear
(length; diameter; circumference of finger; peel thickness and pedicel
length) or weight (fresh weight of finger; pulp, peel and pulp dry
matter%) were the investigated fruit physical properties. Data obtained
revealed that Maghrabi plants received the Rhizobacterin combined with
(NH4hS04 at either the highest (500 g) or the intermediate (400 g) actual
N rate per plant induced fruits had higher values for all the aforesaid
physical properties as compared to the control (500 g mineral N alone
/plant). However, the response varied from one character to another.
Anyhow, the increase was more pronounced with finger circumference;
peel thickness; finger weight; pulp and peel weights, whereas it was
significant. On the contrary, the least rate of increase was observed with
finger pedicel length; pulp % and pulp dry matter %. Meanwhile, the
response of both finger length and diameter was intermediate as
compared to the abovementioned two extremes of the more and less
pronounced rates of change.
(203 )
_______________ SUMMARy AND CONCLUSION
v. I. 5. 2. Fruit chemical properties:
In this regard pulp TSS %; Acidity % ; TSS / acid ratio; starch %;
total sugars %; N %; P % and K % of Maghrabi ripe fruits in response to
different bio-mineral N fertilization treatments were the concerned fruit
chemical properties. Data obtained during both seasons displayed that the
rate of response for each chemical constituent was so slight to be taken
into consideration.
v. II. Second experiment, effect of Baker, S yeast as an additional
bio-N fertilizer:
In this regard combinations between Baker,’ yeast (100 & 50 g /
plant) and (NH4hS04 (500 & 300 g N / plant), beside control (500 g
actual mineral N only) were investigated.
v. II . 1. Effect on vegetative growth:
Data obtained during both seasons displayed that both treatments
which representing combinations between higher mineral N fertilizer rate
(500 g N/ plant) and Baker,’ yeast at either 100 or 50 g / plant were
generally the most effective. However, the increase was more pronounced
and significant for both number of green healthy leaves at bunch shooting
and average leaf area. Meanwhile, the increase exhibited by such superior
treatments didn’t reach level of significance with other vegetative growth
parameters i.e., pseudo stem height & circumference, and number of
arisen suckers per plant. Moreover, 500 g actual N + Baker,’ yeast at 50 g
per plant ranked second while 3 other treatments i.e., control (500 g
actual mineral N only) and both treatments of 300 g actual N combined
with Baker,’ yeast at either 100 or 500 g / plant had equally similar effect
and didn’t significantly vary as compared each other during both reasons.
( 204)
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
Accordingly, it could be safely concluded that Baker,’ yeast application
was so valuable to replace a considerable share of mineral N fertilizers
that finally will be reflected usefully on the Maghrabi banana growers
from the economic point of view.
V. H. 2. Effect on phenological measurements:
Data obtained during both seasons showed that both investigated
phenological measurements i.e., duration from suckers emergence till
bunch shooting and that from bunch shooting to harvesting (maturation)
respond obviously to the five N treatments. Herein, both durations were
significantly shortened to the least value by the 500 g actual N + Baker,’
yeast at 100 g / plant treatment followed by that of 500 g N + 50 g Baker,’
yeast / plant whereas both exceeded the three other N treatments. Such
trend was true during two seasons for both durations but the rate of
reduction was more pronounced for period required from inflorescence
occurrence till maturation of fingers.
V. II. 3. Effect on nutritional status (leaf mineral content):
Regarding the response ofleafN; P; K; Fe; Mn; Zn and cu contents
to the differential investigated combinations between Baker,’ yeast
(applied at 100 & 50 g / plant) and (NH4)2 S04 (at 500 and 300 actual N /
plant), data obtained pointed out that both Nand K were markedly
influenced. Hence, both combinations of higher (NH 4h S04 rate (500g N
/ plant) with Baker,’ yeast at either 100.0 or 50.0 g per plant increased
significantly leafN and K % of Maghrabi banana cv. over the analogous
levels exhibited by three other N treatments. However, other mineral
contents (P; Fe; Mn; Zn and Cu) showed light differences could be safely
neglicted.
(205 )
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
v. II. 4. Effect on some productivity parameters (yield):
Concerning the response of bunch weight; number of hands &
fingers per bunch and bunch length to the different N treatments [Baker,’
yeast x (NH4)2 S04] data obtained during both seasons displayed that
these investigated parameters varied from one measurement to another.
Herein, number of both hands and fingers per bunch didn’t respond to the
investigatedN treatments. However, both bunch weight and bunch length
of the 500 g actual mineral N + Baker,’ yeast (regardless of its applied
rate) treated Maghrabi plants were increased as compared to the
analogous ones of those received any of the three other N treatments
(control and two combinations of (NH4)2 S04 at 300 g actual N with
Baker,’ yeast at either 100 or 50 g / plant). Taking into consideration that
response of average bunch weight was more pronounced and significant,
while with bunch length it didn’t reach level of significance during both
seasons of study.
v. 11.5. Effect on fruit quality:
v. II. 5. 1. Fruit physical properties:
Data obtained during both seasons revealed that the response of
dimensions related measurements to the investigated Baker,’ yeast and
ammonium sulphate combinations was less pronounced except finger
length, whereas the 500 g actual N + Baker,’ yeast at 100 g treated plants
induced statistically the tallest fingers. However, the increase in finger
diameter; circumference; pedicel length was too slight to be significant.
On the other hand, weight related measurements, especially fresh weight
of the whole finger and pulp weight showed an obvious response,
whereas the 500 g actual mineral N + Baker,’ yeast at 100 g / plant
treatment exceeded statistically other N treatments in this concern.
(206 )
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
Meanwhile, three other parameters (peel weight; pulp % and pulp dray
matter %) showed no considerable influence.
V. II. 5.2. Fruit chemical properties:
Regarding the influence on pulp TSS %; acidity %; TSS / acid
ratio; starch and total sugars % of ripe fruits (fingers), data obtained
displayed that both TSS and total soluble sugars exhibited rrror’e
pronounced variances. Since, the 500 g N + 100 g Baker,’ yeast treated
Maghrabi plants induced statistically the richest fruits in their TSS and
sugars%. However, 3 other components showed no considerable
response. Moreover, pulp N; P and K contents were not affected, in spite
of K % was slightly increased in fruits of 500 g N + 100 g Baker,’ yeast
treated plants.
V. III. Experiment, III:
Effect of Baker,’ yeast as an additional bio-K fertilizer:
In this regard Baker,’ yeast at 100 or 50 g / plant combined with
K2S04 at 300 or 150 g actual K20 / plant, beside control (300 g actual
K20 / plant) were investigated.
V. III. 1. Effect on vegetative growth:
Data obtained during both seasons revealed that the investigated
vegetative growth parameters varied in their response to the differential
K2S04 x Baker,’ yeast combinations. However, it could be generally
noticed that both Baker,’ yeast combinations with the higher K2S04 rate
(300 g actual K20 / plant + Baker,’ yeast at either 50 or 100 g) were the
most effective, whereas most investigated growth parameters
(pseudostem height; pseudostem circumference; number of green leaves /
(207 )
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
plant and average leaf area) were increased except number of arisen
suckers per plant. However, the increase was more pronounced with both
leaf parameters (area & number) rather than of pseudo stem (height &
circumference).
v. III. 2. Effect on measurements of some phenological phases:
Regarding the influence of K2S0 4 x Baker,’ yeast treatments on
two investigated measurements of phenological phases varied from one
parameter to the other. Hence, the response of duration from sucker
emergence to bunch shooting was too slight to be taken into consideration
during both seasons. However, the period needed from bunch shooting till
harvesting was obviously influenced, whereas, both combinations
between higher K2S04 rate (300 g actual K20 / plant) from one hand and
Baker,’ yeast at either 100 g (T2) or 50 g (T 3) resulted in a significant
earliness of fruits maturation (harvesting) rather than three other
treatments.
v. III. 3. Effect on nutritional status (leaf mineral composition):
Data obtained during both seasons declared that the response of
nutritional status to the investigated K2S0 4 and Baker,’ yeast treatments
varied greatly from one nutrient element to another. Hence, leafN; K and
Zn contents were increased obviously in Maghrabi plants subjected to the
combinations between the higher K20 level (300 g) and Baker,’ yeast at
either 100 or 50 g per plant, especially higher rate. Such increase
exhibited by both superior treatments (300 g K 20 + 100 g Baker,’ yeast)
and (300 g K20 + 50 g Baker,’ yeast) in a given nutrient element was
significant with comparing to its analogous values detected by the three
other investigated treatments. On the other hand, leafP; Fe; Mn and Cu
contents had no appreciable response to the investigated five treatments.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
V. III. 4. Effect on some productivity / yield measurements:
Data obtained during both seasons revealed that measurements of
productivity (yield) indices i.e., bunch weight; N° of both hands & fingers
per bunch and bunch length varied in their response to different Baker,’
yeast and K2S04 treatments. Since, number of both fingers and hands per
bunch, as well as average bunch length didn’t respond. However, bunch
weight was increased by the higher K2S0 4 (300 g actual K20 / plant) in
combination with Baker,’ yeast at either 100 or 50 g / plant, especially
higher level, whereas the increase was more pronounced and significant
during both seasons of study.
v. III. 5. Effect on fruit quality:
v. III. 5. 1. Fruit physical properties:
With regard to the linear (dimensions) related measurements, data
obtained during both seasons declared that the response to the differential
Baker,’ yeast x K2 S04 combinations was less pronounced, except finger
length. Herein, The tallest fingers were always in significant concomitant
to (300 g actual K20 + 100 g Baker,’ yeast) treated plants, followed by
those received 300 g K20 + 50 g Baker,’ yeast. On the contrary both
control (300 g K20 only) and (150 g K20 + 50 g yeast extract) showed
the shortest fingers. However, both finger diameter and circumference
followed similar trend to that of finger length but differences were less
pronounced and didn’t reach level of significance. Moreover, two other
linear parameters ( pedicle length and peel thickness) had no specific
trend and variances were of minor importance.
As for the weight related parameters, the response was more
pronounced, especially fresh weight of the whole finger; pulp and peel,
• (209 )
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
whereas all followed approximately the same trend and exhibited their
maximum values by two combinations of higher K2S04 rate and Baker, S
yeast at its two investigated levels i.e., K2S04 at 300 g actual K20 / plant
+ Baker,s yeast at either 100 or 50 g / plant. Differences were significant
during both seasons. On the contrary, the least values of such three
weight measurements were significantly in closed relationship to fruits of
Maghrabi banana plants of either control or the 150 g K,O + 50 g yeast
per plant, whereas both treatments were statistically the inferior and
didn’t vary as compared each other from the statistical point of view.
Meanwhile, percentage of fresh pulp and dry matter of pulp both showed
slight variances didn’t reach level of significance during two seasons.
V. III. 5. 2. Fruit chemical properties:
Date obtained displayed that the response of fresh pulp TSS %;
acidity % ; TSS / acid ratio; starch % and total sugars % to different
Baker, S yeast and K2 S04 treatments were less pronounced to be taken into
consideration. Meanwhile, pulp mineral content (N, P, K %) varied from
one element to another, whereas two former elements (N&P) didn’t
respond, while pulp K % was obviously increased by both combinations
of higher K2S04 rate (300 g actual K20 / plant) with Baker,s yeast at
either 100 or 50 g especially the higher level which exceeded statistically
the three other treatments (control and two combinations of lower K,SO 4
level with Baker, S yeast, irrespective of its rate).
V. IV. Fourth experiment:
In this experiment 4 K fertilization treatments each at 300 g K 20/
plant, but varied in source (potassium sulphate or potassium-36%);
method (soil or foliar application) and number / date of applicable doses
were investigated.
(210 )
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
V. IV. 1. Effect on vegetative growth:
Data obtained during both seasons revealed that five growth
measurements under study (pseudostem height & circumference; N° of
green leaves; leaf area and N° of suckers / plant) in response to
investigated K fertilization treatments followed generally the same trend
except former measurement (N 0 of suckers / plant). Herein, application of
two K sources i.e., K,S04 at the rate of 225 g actual K20/ plant
fractionated into 3 equal doses to be soil added in Apr.; Jun. and Aug. +
potassium-36% at the rate of75.0 g K20 foliar spray in Oct. exceeded 3
other K treatments as pseudostem height & circumference; N° of green
leaves/plant and average leaf area were concerned. However, the increase
was more pronounced and significant as compared to control, while it
became less pronounced and didn’t reach level of significance in most
cases as compared to two other ones. On the other hand, N° of arisen
suckers/plant showed no appreciable variations in response to investigated
treatments.
V. IV. 2. Effect on some measurements of phenological phases:
Data obtained during both seasons revealed that two durations of
phenological phases extended either (from sucker emergence to bunch
shooting) or ( from bunch shooting till harvesting) varied in their
response to the different K fertilization treatments. Since, the response
was less pronounced with the I s’ duration (sucker emergence to bunch
shooting), however with the second one (bunch shooting till harvesting) it
was quite evident and significant. Anyhow, T3 followed by T2 were the
most effective and reduced maturation stage significantly than two other
treatments. The same trend was also noticed with 1st duration (sucker
(211 )
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
emergence to bunch shooting) but differences didn’t reach level of
significance during both seasons.
V. IV. 3. Effect on nutritional status (leaf mineral composition):
Data obtained during both seasons, revealed obviously that all
investigated nutrient elements except K and Zn didn’t respond
significantly to the different K fertilization treatments. Hence, N; P; Fe;
Mn and Cu contents showed slight variances didn’t reach level of
significance during both seasons. Anyhow, leafK and Zn content of
Maghrabi plants was significantly increased by the 3 investigated K
fertilization treatments as compared to that of control. The
K SO T3 (225 g K20
as , 4 soil added in Apr.; Jun. and Aug. + 75.0 g K 0 .
2 as potassium-
36% foliar spray in Oct.) was the most effective followed by
ranked 3 rd T2, while T4
as compared to the control (the inferior).
V, IV. 4. Effect on some measurements of productivity (yield):
Concerning the response of productivity indices (bunch weight;
of hands & fingers / bunch and bunch length) to the differential K
treatments, data obtained during both seasons declared that each character
followed its own trend. Anyhow, number of both hands & fingers per
bunch didn’t respond, while bunch weight and length were obviously
respond. Hence, 3 K treatments (T2” T3 d T
, an 4) increased both weight and
length of Maghrabi bunches, however T3 (225 I K
g actua 20 soil added in
Apr.; Jun. and Oct. as K2S0 + 75 0 g K
4 • 20 as potassium-36% spray in
Oct.) was the most effective and surpassed statistically two other ones.
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
V. IV. 5. Effect on fruit quality:
V. IV. 5. 1. Physical properties:
Data obtained during both seasons regarding the response of both
linear/dimension and weight related measurements of Maghrabi fruit
physical properties to the 4 K fertilization treatments (all at the same rate
of 300 g actual K20 but varied in source; method; number and date of
application) revealed that the least values of these parameters were
always in concomitant to the control (300 g actual K20 in form ofK,S04
soil added in Apr. & Jun.). However, the T3 (225.0 g actual K20 as
K,S04 soil added in Apr.; Jun. and Aug. + 75.0 g actual K20 as
potassium-36 % foliar spray in Oct.) was the superior, followed by T 2
(300 g actual K20 as K2S04 soil added in Apr.; Jun.; Aug. and Oct.),
while T4 (150 g actual K20 as K2S04 soil added in Apr. & Aug. + 150 g
K,O as potassium-36 % foliar spray in Jun. & Oct.) ranked third.
Nevertheless, the rate of response varied from one measurement to
another. Anyhow, the increase was more pronounced with finger length;
diameter; circumference and fresh weight of the whole finger, pulp and
peel, but the least response was recorded with pedicel length; peel
thickness and fresh pulp Meanwhile, pulp dry rnatter % was
intermediate.
V. IV. 5. 2. Fruit chemical properties:
Data obtained during both seasons displayed that the response of
fresh pulp TSS %; acidity %; TSS/acid ratio; starch % and total sugars %
to the differential K fertilization treatments was too slight to be
considered. Moreover, the influence on pulp N; P and K % proved that
both N & P didn’t respond. However, with pulp K % the trend took the
(213 )
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION
other way around, whereas control showed the least K level but T3 (225 g
K20 as K2S04 soil added in Apr.; Jun. and Aug. + 75.0 g K20 as
potassium-36% foliar spray in Oct.) exhibited usually the highest pulp
K%.
Generally it could be safely concluded that the obtained result
proved the great benefit could be achieved from biofertilizer application
either as additional Nor K source (Rhizobacterin & Baker,’ yeast,
respect.) which was positively reflected on most measurements either
those related to vegetative growth; nutritional statues; phenological;
productivity or fruit qualities. Moreover, K application in more frequent
doses along the extension of growing season, especially when three
fourth (3/4) of the recommended rate was soil added in Apr.; Jun. and
Aug. While one fourth (1/4) foliar spray in Oct. showed the most
desirable response. So it could be recommended that providing Maghrabi
banana plants with 500/400 g actual N as (NH4)2S0 4+ Rhizobacterin or
Baker,’ yeast at 100 g + 225 g actual K20 as K,S04 soil added in Apr.;
Jun. and Aug. + 75.0 g K20 as potassium-36 % foliar spray in Oct/plant
gives the most favourable result under the same conditions of the present
study.
(214 )