FUSARIUM WILT INCIDENCE, GROWTH, YIELD AND POST-HARVEST QUALITY OF BANANA AS AFFECTED BY ORGANIC FARMING IN CHINESE TAIPEI

C.M. Chang, C.P. chao, S.N. Huang, S.C. Chiang
Organic banana farming is an alternative to conventional banana production in Chinese Taipei. Results from a 10-year study on organic banana production at the organic farm of the Taiwan Banana Research Institute (TBRI) indicate that average incidence of Fusarium wilt for four Cavendish cultivars was 25.7% for the organic farming system, as compared to 66.9% for the conventional farming system. The lower incidence of Fusarium wilt in the organic system was considered to be associated with a positive change in the properties of the soil. Horticultural parameters at shooting did not show significant differences between organic and conventional banana, except for a lower number of healthy leaves in the organic banana. No differences in the post-harvest quality could be found between organic and conventional banana. A smaller bunch weight was recorded for the organic banana; however, more harvested bunches resulted in a higher overall yield in the organic farming system. Promotion of the organic farming system for adoption by more banana growers could enhance the sustainability of the Chinese Taipei banana industry.
Chang, C.M., chao, C.P., Huang, S.N. and Chiang, S.C. (2011). FUSARIUM WILT INCIDENCE, GROWTH, YIELD AND POST-HARVEST QUALITY OF BANANA AS AFFECTED BY ORGANIC FARMING IN CHINESE TAIPEI. Acta Hortic. 897, 413-420
DOI: 10.17660/ActaHortic.2011.897.57
https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2011.897.57
Cavendish, horticultural parameters, Musa, soil quality
English

Acta Horticulturae