FIELD TRIALS ON DWARF CAVENDISH BANANAS IN SOUTHERN MALAWI - PART I: SPACING AND PRUNING

A spacing trial on Kabuthu, a Dwarf Cavendish type banana, was conducted in the Thyolo Highlands and compared square spacings of 1.5, 2.3 and 3.0 m and regulation to 2, 3 and 4 stems. The closest spacing produced the highest yield but the widest spacing gave the best quality fruit. A spacing of 2.3 m x 2.3 m pruned to 3 stems is advised.