Can fruit mature without leaves on the P-stem?
 

I think I have a mat that may support a stalk that is fruiting now. The last frost took the leaves just as the fruit stalk was just coming out. It has now pushed out and is setting hands that look normal. Can the mat feed this fruiting stalk on a leafless P-stem?

This will be a great test to see if a stalk with no leaves and only a fruiting stalk can take nourishment from the mat.

Re: Can fruit mature without leaves on the P-stem?
 

It does can and will mature the bunch,i have seen that locally. I dont know if it can take nourishment from the younger stems but i would think that a mature corm has enough energy to mature a small bunch on its own,even without leafs or support from the mat. But,the interconnected nature of a banana mat suggests there is some nutrient and water flow between the corms and that resources are shared.

Re: Can fruit mature without leaves on the P-stem?
 

My experience is that you need at least 1 leaf per hand to fill out fruit. If the fruit is mostly full and leafless the fruit will eventually ripen.

Re: Can fruit mature without leaves on the P-stem?
 

My experience is you need 5 to 10 leaves to fill in fingers. And for the minimum -- the 5 leaves need to be mostly complete - not burned up. Shredded is ok.

Re: Can fruit mature without leaves on the P-stem?
 

I have had fruit continue to fully develop well after a p stem has lost all its leaves.

Re: Can fruit mature without leaves on the P-stem?
 

Same here

Re: Can fruit mature without leaves on the P-stem?
 

Nicolas and Bananimal,

You didn't specify but I assume you mean leaves on other P-stems. Right?

Go Angels and Sunfish,

Thanks. That is encouraging. I'll keep updating.

Re: Can fruit mature without leaves on the P-stem?
 

I'm in a similar situation here with my Manzano! A tropical storm blew through here with no warning and bent the pstem over with a good sized bunch of fruit. All the leaves browned and shrivelled but I just left the whole thing alone to see what happened - didn't try to straighten it as it was way past that. Now a month later, the fruit are plumping up slowly and looking surprisingly good under the circs, and they still have at least 2 months to go (can't quite remember how long). There is one good sized pup which is possibly helping but the pstem is mashed where it bent over, and I am quite surprised how well it is doing.

Re: Can fruit mature without leaves on the P-stem?
 

Island Cassie,

That is especially encouraging to hear. Mine just might make it. Everything is still looking good.

Re: Can fruit mature without leaves on the P-stem?
 

Dkman------ I mean leaf count on the main stem. Been growing new plantings for so long (none or few pups) with the winter killing off the main -- this year is different.

Re: Can fruit mature without leaves on the P-stem?
 

My main stem will not produce anymore leaves since it has set fruit. Hopefully the pups with leaves will be able to nourish it. Some think it will. I hope so. Good luck with your pups.

Re: Can fruit mature without leaves on the P-stem?
 

:woohoonaner: Darkman - today I saw that the top hand was turning yellow - yesterday there was no change!! the fingers are thin and a bit angular which is what I would expect under the circs - but better than I expected so I will let you know what they taste like shortly! Good luck with your bunch!

Re: Can fruit mature without leaves on the P-stem?
 

Keep us updated carol:lurk:

Re: Can fruit mature without leaves on the P-stem?
 

Will do Mushtaq - good to talk to you again!

Re: Can fruit mature without leaves on the P-stem?
 

Sweeeet! Carol

AND hopefully the bananas will be too.

Got any Pictures?

Re: Can fruit mature without leaves on the P-stem?
 

OK Darkman - here they are! I ate some of the ripe ones for breakfast as they are very sweet.

Re: Can fruit mature without leaves on the P-stem?
 

Sure is a lot of bananas, and they look just you said they tasted. We might have to move farther south since we lover bananas. The weather is very nice here now and all of the plants are putting out leaves. Many are in pots and have to get put in the ground. Oh my aching back. Good luck and thanks.

Re: Can fruit mature without leaves on the P-stem?
 

I'm testing this theory with my 'Raja Puri'. Lost all the leaves to frost, then the darn thing produced its bud and has been setting fruit all throughout our mild winter. We had only a couple nights of frost (just enough for me to lose all my banana leaves) and the rest of the winter has been way above normal with no more frosts. We'll see how it does.

Re: Can fruit mature without leaves on the P-stem?
 

Good luck with that - after a mild winter it might just work.

Re: Can fruit mature without leaves on the P-stem?
 

I've got one in the same situation, just flowering now. We'll see....