Conjunctive use of bio-fertilizers and organics for improving growth, yield and quality of banana cv. Grand Naine

Abstract

The present investigation was carried out to find out the response of combined application of bio-fertilizers and bio-control agents with organic manures and inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield and quality of tissue cultured banana cv. Grand Naine. The results indicate that growth; yield attributing characters and yield as well as fruits quality were significantly influenced by integration of bio-fertilizers, organic manures and inorganic fertilizers. The maximum pseudostem height (266.55 cm), girth (72.63 cm), number of suckers (8.07), were observed in the treatment consisting of 100% RDF + mycorrhiza (AM) + Azospirillum + PSB + Trichoderma harzianum (T8). This treatment also recorded superiority in yield attributing characters like hands per bunch (10.20), fingers per hand (22.87), fingers per bunch (187.00), weight of second hand (3.76 kg), bunch weight (24.42 kg) and yield (75.35 t/ ha). The quality parameters of fruits in terms of moisture, titrable acidity, ascorbic acid, TSS, total, reducing and non-reducing sugars as well as sugar: acid ratio were also influenced by combined use of organic, inorganic and biological sources of nutrients. Hence, 100% RDF + AM + Azospirillum + PSB + Trichoderma harzianum can be considered as best INM treatment for enhancing growth, yield and quality of banana in Mizoram.