Yield and plant characteristics of 21 banana cultivars in north Queensland

Abstract

Data on the yield and plant characteristics of 21 banana cultivars were collected over three crop cycles, plant crop and two ratoons, at South Johnstone, north Queensland. (Lat 17° 38' S). The cultivars were from the genomic groups AA, AAA, AAB and ABB. Bunch weights of the Cavendish subgroup of cultivars were about twice those of the other cultivars. Productivity per unit height ('Harvest Index') as indicated by bunch weight:pseudostem height was also much higher. High yields of the Cavendish subgroup were a function of both high finger number per bunch and long fingers. None of the cultivars outside of the Cavendish subgroup was a satisfactory substitute for the commercial cultivar, Williams, because of low yields. Of the non-Cavendish cultivars, Pacific Plantain (dual dessert-cooking) and Lady Finger (dessert) have the best prospects for development to satisfy alternative consumer use.