Comparison of open-field and net-covered banana production in subtropical conditions

Banana is one of the most important commercially grown tropical crops in Turkey. In recent years, the total banana production area in Turkey has increased to around 6,225 ha, with a production of 305,926 t of fruit. Although the crop is grown in both open-field and protected cultivation, the latter system is more popular due to year-round production and higher yields and quality. Plastic sheeting is the most common covering material used for protected cultivation, but it intercepts rain-water. The objective of this study was to evaluate banana production in both open-field and net-covered systems, where special plastic netting provides a viable alternative to standard plastic sheeting. The experiment was conducted in Gazipasa province, Antalya during 2015 and 2016. The cultivar 'Dwarf Cavendish' was used as planting material. Galvanized iron frames and insect-proof mesh were used for construction and covering material, respectively. During the growing period, climate data (minimum, average and maximum temperature, relative humidity and soil moisture), leaf chlorophyll content, light intensity values (photometric, quantum and pyranometric), wind damage and yield were evaluated in both the open-field and net-covered systems. Results showed that while temperature values were higher under the net-covered system, the relative humidity was lower in some months compared to open-field conditions. On the contrary, soil moisture records were higher in the net-covered system than those recorded for open fields. Chlorophyll content was higher in the net-covered system, while the means of light intensity values were detected to be lower in the net system compared to that measured in the open field. Very little wind damage was observed in the net-covered system, compared with significant wind damage in the open field. Yield was higher in the net-covered system with 44.9 vs. 40.2 t ha^‑1 recorded in the open field.