Navsari Agricultural University
Flowering & Fruit Development:
-----------------------------

Flowering starts after 6-8 months of planting. Inflorescence has hermaphrodite flowers. Edible banana are parthenocarpic, where as wild are having seeds. Banana plant is monocarpic (having only one flower bud). Therefore, plant produce only one bunch in it’s life.

Harvesting & Yield : The fruit is harvested when maturity sign was observed.
Signs of maturity of fruit :-(1) Drying of leaves. (2) Change of colour of fruit skin from deep green to light green.

Ridges of the fruit turn round from angular:
-------------------------------------------

The dwarf varieties of bananas are ready for harvest within 11 to 14 months after planting. Tall varieties ready to harvest after 14-16 months. Main harvesting season is sept. to April Bunch yield 90-120 t./ha. but if good management 40-60 t./ha. tall-15-20 t./ha. (5-10% loss during transport.

Storage:
-------

Banana can be stored at a temperature slightly above 55°F (13°C) and with a relative humidity of 85 to 95 per cent for about three weeks, and is ripened in a week or two at 62"-70°F (16.5°-21°C). Banana fruit becomes blackened at lower temperatures and should not be placed in a refrigerator.

Ripening:
--------

Climacteric fruit. Must be ripened in store room. Smoke treatment : (2) Chemical treatment- 3000 ppm Ethrel.
� 2013 Agricultural Educatorium, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari. All Rights Reserved Managed by: IT Cell, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari.