NUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTATION AND BIOSTIMULANTS EFFECT ON THE INCIDENCE OF BLACK SIGATOKA (Mycosphaerella fijiensis) AND THE PLANTAIN AAB PRODUCTION. BARU, PANAMA. 2001 – 2002.

Abstract

Plantain producers from Baru district, Panama, despite of having experiences in Musaceae cultivation, unknown optimal nutrition alternatives for this plantation, so that expected yield is not reached and there is not guarantee in recover the investment. In order to satisfy technological demand, it was established an experiment in a farm producer located at Corotu Civil, Baru, 34 meters over the level of the sea, 10°16' 14.2" North latitude and  83°37'06.6" West longitud, precipitation of 2,860 mm and temperature of 27.6°C. High density system (3,332 plants/ha) was implemented in new plants and a complete Randomized Design with three replications. Treatments were four fertilization alternatives utilized in the zone and its effect was measured as production and incidence of black Sigatoka. Every plot had 60 plants, but 20 plants were the effective plot. Soil texture was Sandy-frank, 5.5 pH, high levels of phosphorous, potasium and copper; medium levels of organic matter, iron and zinc; and low levels of calcium, aluminium, magnesium and manganesium. Statistical analysis showed no statistical differences (P>0.01) between treatments in number of hand per bunch. lt was observe a marked effect of the treatment 1 on production variables such as bunch weight (15.9 kg), finger length (24.1 cm) and sppoted most younger leaf (leaf 7.7). In the same way, treatment 3 affected variables such as number of fingers per bunch (33.5 fingers), finger circunference (16.2 cm) and number of healthy leaves (5.2 leaves). Under prevent study field conditions, treatments 1 and 3 were the better for fertilization of plantain plantation.