Stonefox

Has anyone tried this?

They claim :
“ Bunch weight increased by 67% over control in which male flower bud was retained till harvest. In the field demonstrations, a response of 22 % to 28% increase in bunch weight was evident. Using ‘N-isotope label the movement of 51% of N into the bunch from AmSo4 was confirmed.”

My Bananas are definitely size challenged at the moment, due to historic poor soil problem and overcrowding, and lack of fertilizers. I have worked hard on the fertilizers this season and reduced the overcrowding (could be better, will separate some pups in spring, autumn here now) and been blessed with 2 medium sized bunches of bananas. The fingers are very medium sized and while I was doing some research about this I happened across this interesting article, and wondered if anyone has ever tried it and how well it worked.


I thought forum members may find this approach interesting to read about.


This is the method:
There is considerable increase in bunch size in ‘Robusta’ and ‘Grande naine’ banana, when feeding the following mixture through the distal end of rachis soon after fruitset.
Preparing the nutrient mixture:
• Ammonium Sulphate - 15gm
• Sulphate of potash (SOP) - 7.5gm
• Fresh cow dung - 500gm blended in 100 ml of water.
(Cow urine can also be used instead of water. 500 gm of fresh cow dung contains substantial amounts of about 5.5gm of N, 3.5gm of K 1.6 gm of S besides other minerals and bio-chemicals).
Method of application:
 Select bunches where the fruit set is complete and about 10 – 15 cm long rachis is available after the last hand. Avoid bunches where fruit set is incomplete or during partial deflowering time.
 Remove male flower bud close to the rachis.
 Take the already prepared nutrient slurry in a used milk bag.
 Insert the slurry filled bag into the de-navelled stalk end of the bunch and tie it with a strong string.

Tytaylor77

I have read similar studies done in mostly India. From what I’ve read it actually works great. I’ve never actually tried it though.

Good luck if you try it.

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edwmax

I don't know about using fresh manure or urine in that situation as it may contain salmonella or E. coli and cause an infection to the banana. In the US fresh manure is banned from use on produce crops that may be eaten raw. ... But the procedure looks interesting. It could be tested on a late blooming bunch(s).

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Stonefox

i have one very neglected tree that gets wind blasted every day and not much attention.
It gave a small bunch of bananas and I think I will experiment on it just for interest sake.
I will substitute the urine and manure with bought kraal manure, and the Ammonium Sulphate with 7.5g Of Urea.