Growth, yield and potassium accumulation in 'Galil 18' banana under irrigation and potassium fertilization

Abstract

The objective of this work was to evaluate the vegetative growth, yield variables and the accumulation of potassium in the aerial part of the banana, cultivar Galil 18, under different irrigation and potassium levels in the conditions of the coastal tablelands of Bahia state, Brazil. The experimental design was a completely randomized block, in a 4x4 factorial arrangement (irrigation levels x potassium doses), with three replicates. Irrigation water depths were based on 30, 60, 90 and 120% of the reference evapotranspiration (ETo). The K2O doses were 0, 400, 800 and 1,200 kg ha‑1. Vegetative growth, production variables and K accumulation by the several organs of the aerial portion of the plant were determined. Potassium doses did not significantly affect growth and production variables. Irrigation water depth had a significant effect on the height and diameter of the pseudo‑stem, on the number of fruits per bunch, on yield and on water use efficiency. The pseudo‑stem is the largest K repository in banana plants.