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Light plays a crucial role in the growth and development of banana plants. Here are the main roles light serves for banana plants:

1. Photosynthesis: Light is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into chemical energy. In banana plants, photosynthesis occurs in the leaves and provides the plant with the energy required for growth, fruit development, and other metabolic functions.

2. Growth Regulation: The amount and quality of light influence the growth patterns of banana plants. Adequate sunlight promotes strong vertical growth and the formation of healthy leaves, while insufficient light can lead to weak growth, pale leaves, and reduced yield.

3. Flowering and Fruiting: Light also affects the timing of flowering and fruiting in banana plants. Banana plants typically require long periods of light to trigger the formation of the flower stalk. Inadequate light can delay or stunt flowering, leading to lower fruit yields.

4. Photoperiod Sensitivity: Some banana varieties may exhibit photoperiod sensitivity, meaning they require a certain amount of light to flower and bear fruit. Insufficient light during critical periods can disrupt this process.

5. Health and Disease Resistance: Adequate light exposure helps maintain the overall health of the plant, promoting strong immune systems. Banana plants that are grown in full light are generally more resistant to diseases and pests compared to those grown in shaded conditions.

6. Leaf Formation: Proper lighting ensures optimal leaf formation, which is crucial for efficient photosynthesis. Inadequate light can result in fewer and smaller leaves, limiting the plant’s ability to produce energy.

Bananas are typically grown in tropical regions where light is abundant, but in some cases, they may benefit from partial shading during the hottest part of the day, especially in areas with high light intensity to prevent leaf scorching.

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Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). (2023). Banana Market Review. Retrieved from https://www.fao.org.

Heslop-Harrison, J. S., & Schwarzacher, T. (2007). Domestication, genomics, and the future for banana. Annals of Botany, 100(5), 1073-1084. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcm191\

Ortiz, R., & Vuylsteke, D. (1996). Improving plantain- and banana-based systems. Food and Agriculture Organization Plant Production and Protection Paper.

Perrier, X., Bakry, F., Carreel, F., et al. (2011). Combining biological approaches to shed light on the evolution of edible bananas. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 9(1), 51-67.

Robinson, J. C., & Sauco, V. G. (2010). Bananas and Plantains (2nd ed.). CABI Publishing.

Simmonds, N. W. (1966). Bananas. Longmans, Green and Co.

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Alloway, B. J. (2008). Zinc in soils and crop nutrition. International Zinc Association.

Bergmann, W. (1992). Nutritional Disorders of Plants: Development, Visual and Analytical Diagnosis. Gustav Fischer Verlag.

Marschner, H. (1995). Mineral Nutrition of Higher Plants. Academic Press.

K. Nyombi a b, a, b, c, d, e, AbstractPoor yields of East African highland bananas (Musa spp., Baijukya, F. P., Bekunda, M., Haefele, S. M., Janssen, B. H., Smaling, E. M. A., Witt, C., Wortmann, C. S., Bouyoucos, G. J., Bremner, J. M., Chan, K. S., Delvaux, B., Dobermann, A., … Agriculture, M. of. (2010, March 6). Mineral fertilizer response and nutrient use efficiencies of East African highland banana (Musa spp., AAA-EAHB, CV. Kisansa). Field Crops Research. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378429010000316

Taulya, G. (2015). Managing Banana Growth and Yield through Optimal Fertilization. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/283680267_Managing_Banana_Growth_and_Yield_through_Optimal_Fertilization

Yamaguchi, T., & Tanaka, A. (1996). The importance of calcium in plant nutrition. Journal of Plant Nutrition. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40465056

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According to Perrier et al. (2011), the banana plant, belonging to the genus Musa, includes well-known species such as Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana, as well as hybrids like Musa × paradisiaca (commonly known as plantains) . Native to Southeast Asia, banana plants have spread globally and are now cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions. They thrive in warm climates with abundant rainfall, making them a vital crop in many ecosystems (Robinson & Sauco, 2010).

Known for their rapid growth and unique pseudostem structure, banana plants produce large, spirally arranged leaves and nutrient-rich fruits that serve as a staple food for millions (Heslop-Harrison & Schwarzacher, 2007). Beyond their agricultural significance, banana plants contribute to traditional medicine and handicrafts, while also playing a key role in ecological functions such as preventing soil erosion. These features highlight the plant's importance in both environmental and cultural contexts (Robinson & Sauco, 2010).

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LOCAL NAME : BANANA

SCIENTIFIC NAME : Musa acuminata, Musa balbisiana, or Musa × paradisiaca (for hybrids like plantains)

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Banana plants (Musa acuminata, Musa balbisiana, and hybrids such as Musa × paradisiaca) are believed to have originated in Southeast Asia, specifically in the region spanning from Malaysia to Indonesia and the Philippines. Over time, bananas spread to other parts of the world, particularly through trade and migration (Simmonds, 1966). Today, banana cultivation is not limited to its native region but is a widespread agricultural practice across tropical and subtropical regions globally (Robinson & Sauco, 2010).

Countries like India, China, the Philippines, and Ecuador are some of the world’s largest producers of bananas, with Ecuador being a major exporter (FAO, 2023). In Africa, bananas are a vital crop, especially in Central and East Africa, where they are grown for both consumption and trade (Ortiz & Vuylsteke, 1996). In Latin America and the Caribbean, bananas thrive in countries like Brazil, Costa Rica, and Colombia.

Banana plants grow best in regions where the temperature is consistently warm, between 25°C and 30°C, and rainfall is abundant, with annual precipitation ranging from 750 mm to over 2000 mm. They are typically found in fertile, well-drained soils at low to moderate altitudes. These plants require a humid environment and are commonly cultivated in areas that are not subject to frost, as they are highly sensitive to cold temperatures (Robinson & Sauco, 2010).

In addition to their widespread agricultural presence, banana plants are often grown in agroforestry systems where they provide shade, prevent soil erosion, and help improve soil fertility, further enhancing their environmental and economic value.

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The banana plant is a large, herbaceous species that grows from a corm, forming a tall pseudostem made up of tightly packed leaf bases. The pseudostem is not a true stem but rather the result of overlapping leaf sheaths, giving the plant a tree-like appearance, despite lacking woody tissue (Simmonds, 1966). The plant’s leaves are large, elongated, and arranged in a spiral pattern around the pseudostem. These leaves can grow up to 2.7 meters long and 60 cm wide and are known to tear in strong winds, a common feature in banana plants.

The banana plant produces clusters of fruits, called "hands," which grow from the apex of the pseudostem. Each hand contains several individual bananas, which are technically berries. The fruit varies in size and color depending on the species and variety, and it is harvested while still green, ripening to yellow or other colors depending on the cultivar (Heslop-Harrison & Schwarzacher, 2007).

Bananas typically take 9 to 12 months to mature from planting to harvest, showcasing their rapid growth cycle. The plant thrives in warm climates with high rainfall, requiring plenty of water and fertile, well-drained soil for optimal growth. After the banana bunch is harvested, the plant dies back, but new shoots, or "pups," sprout from the base to continue the cycle (Simmonds, 1966).

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We have 31 varieties of bananas | Which ones currently have fruit?

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1. REDUCED PHOTOSYNTHESIS

This situation happened because light is really important for photosynthesis to make sure the growth of the banana. The process by which plants convert the light energy to chemical energy to develop the plant.

If banana receive less light energy, if will reduces leaf development and slow the overall plant because a weak plant structure happened due to the lack of the energy reserves. When the light is insufficient, the plants will cause the flowering and plant growth delayed. Exetended delay can cause the low productivy harvesting of the banana. (Vanderzanden.A.M., 2008)

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2. Poor Fruit Quality

Poor fruit quality also one of the deficiency of the environmental factor of the plant growth and development. Light directly influence the sugar synthesis of the fruit which is the fruit development and flavor. The weak and low light can reduces the sugar accumulation in the fruits.

This situation may make the fruit become smaller, less sweet and causing a black spots on the banana peels. It may also develop the uneven texture and having a poor shelf life. (Ozdemir.I.S., 2016)

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3. REDUCED NUTRIENT OF PLANT DEVELOPMENT

Photosynthesis drives the uptake and assimilation of nutrients in plants. Light deficiency disrupts this process, leading to poor nutrient absorption of plant development and growth. The impact of weak nutrients and deficiency sysptoms will be shows if the leaves becomes such as yellowing (chlorosis).

Poor nutrient availability stunts growth and leads to lower yield potential. To ensure optimal growth and yield, bananas require 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, depending on the local climate conditions. (Dabalos.J.T., 2017)

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Dabalos, J. T., & Gara, G . P. (2017). Leaf Check IT: A Banana Leaf Analyzer for Identifying Macronutrient Deficiency.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322727614_LeafCheckIT_A_Banana_Leaf_Analyzer_for_Identifying_Macronutrient_Deficiency

Ozdemir, I. S. (2016). Effects of light treatment on the ripening of banana fruit during postharvest handling.

https://fruits.edpsciences.org/articles/fruits/pdf/2016/02/fruits150013.pdf?utm_source

Vanderzanden, A. M. (2008). Environment Factors Affecting Plants Growth. https://extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/techniques/environmental-factors-affecting-plant-growth

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1. Food

a) Fruit

The banana fruit is a nutritious staple, rich in carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.

b) Flower:

Banana flowers (also called banana blossoms) are edible and used in salads, soups, and curries.

c) Stem:

The inner core of the banana stem is consumed in various forms, such as soups, juices, or stir-fried dishes.

d) Leaves:

Banana leaves are used as natural plates or wrapping for cooking and serving food, imparting a distinct flavor to dishes.

2. Agriculture

a) Mulching:

Banana leaves and stems decompose quickly, enriching the soil with organic matter.

b) Fodder:

The leaves and stems are fed to livestock like cows and goats.

c) Compost:

Waste parts of the banana plant are composted to improve soil fertility.

3. Medicinal Uses

a) Stem Juice:

Juice from the banana stem is used in traditional medicine for detoxification and aiding kidney function.

b) Flowers:

Banana flowers are rich in antioxidants and believed to help regulate blood sugar and promote uterine health.

c) Leaves:

Used in folk remedies for treating skin wounds, rashes, and burns.

4. Industrial Uses

a) Fiber Production:

Banana plant fibers are used to make textiles, ropes, mats, and paper.

b) Biofuel:

Banana waste can be converted into biogas or bioethanol.

c) Packaging:

Dried banana leaves are used as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic packaging.

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TYPES OF BANANA AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS 

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TYPES OF BANANA AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS 

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1. Cavendish

The most commonly cultivated and consumed banana worldwide.

Smooth yellow skin when ripe with soft, sweet, and creamy flesh.

Typically eaten fresh or used in desserts.

2. Blue Java (Ice Cream Banana)

Known for its bluish-green skin when unripe and pale-yellow color when ripe.

Has a creamy texture and vanilla-like flavor, often likened to ice cream.

3. Pisang Raja

Popular in Southeast Asia, especially in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Sweet and custardy flavor with a well-balanced sweetness and acidity.

Used in desserts like banana fritters (pisang goreng).

4. Lady Finger

Small, slender bananas with thin skin and a honey-like sweetness.

Commonly eaten as a snack or used in fruit salads and desserts.

5. Goldfinger

A hybrid variety with an apple-like sweetness.

Resistant to diseases and thrives in harsh weather conditions.

Suitable for eating fresh or cooking.

6. Manzano (Apple Banana)

Small, chubby bananas with a sweet flavor reminiscent of apples and strawberries.

Creamy and dense texture, enjoyed fresh or in desserts.

7. Red Banana

Reddish-purple skin with soft, creamy white or pinkish flesh inside.

Sweeter and richer in flavor compared to yellow bananas.

Contains higher levels of beta-carotene and vitamin C.

8. Barangan

A sweet, seed-free variety commonly grown in Southeast Asia.

Medium-sized with bright yellow skin and soft flesh.

9. Plantain

Large, starchy bananas used primarily for cooking.

Green when unripe and turn yellow or dark brown when ripe.

Commonly fried, boiled, or baked as a staple in many tropical cuisines.

10. Saba

A thick, short banana with sharply angled edges.

High starch content, making it ideal for cooking or as a base for banana chips.

11. Burro

Square-shaped banana with a tart, lemony flavor.

Dark green when unripe and turns yellow when fully ripe.

12. Bluggoe

A hardy, starchy variety with mild sweetness.

Typically used in cooking and resistant to harsh growing conditions.

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1. Nutritional Benefits

Bananas are rich in nutrients, they are a good source of potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium, and dietary fiber. Next, bananas are good for Energy Boost. Because they are high in natural sugars (glucose, fructose, and sucrose), bananas provide an instant energy boost, making them an ideal snack for athletes.

2. Digestive Health

The dietary fiber in bananas promotes healthy digestion and prevents constipation. They act as a natural remedy for soothing stomach ulcers by protecting the stomach lining. Bananas also have prebiotic properties, encouraging the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which improve overall gut health.

3. Immunity Boost

Rich in antioxidants like dopamine and vitamin C, bananas help fight free radicals, boosting the body’s immune system. Regular consumption of bananas can contribute to improved overall health and resistance to infections.

4. Benefits at Different Ripeness Stages

Each stage of banana ripeness offers unique benefits. Ripe bananas provide quick energy and aid digestion. Unripe bananas, with their resistant starch, help regulate blood sugar and promote weight loss. Overripe bananas are perfect for baking and as a natural sweetener for various recipes.

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The movement of nutrients from the soil to the different sections of the banana plant depends on water. After being absorbed by the roots, nutrients that have been dissolved in water are transferred to the leaves, where they are utilized for fruit development and growth (Turner et al., 2007). The plant's general health and productivity are impacted when it does not receive enough water because it is unable to absorb or transport nutrients effectively.

Water is essential for photosynthesis, so it plays an important role in banana plants. This is how plants convert sunlight into energy. Banana plant leaves require water to carry out photosynthesis efficiently (Carr, 2009).

Water also helps in the production of glucose, a type of sugar that plants use for growth and development. During photosynthesis, plants absorb CO₂ from the air and H₂O from the soil via their roots. The plant converts energy from sunlight into glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and oxygen (O₂) (Jena et al., 2024).

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Banana plant growth is significantly impacted by water deficit because it interferes with vital physiological functions. Due to insufficient turgor pressure required for cell expansion, inadequate water restricts cell elongation and division, which are essential for plant growth and cause the plant to grow shorter and smaller overall (Turner et al., 2007).

To conserve water, water-stressed plants often develop smaller leaves, which reduce the surface area for transpiration but also limit photosynthetic capacity (Mahouachi et al., 2006).

A lack of water has a major effect on banana plant yield, mostly due to delayed maturity, smaller fruit, and lower bunch weight (Panigrahi, 2021).The plant's growth cycle may be delayed by prolonged water stress, delaying the time required for flowering and fruiting. This delays harvest and throws off production schedules.

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1. Optimal Growth: Banana plants grow best at temperatures between 26–30°C, which ensures proper photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and overall development.

2. Cold Sensitivity: Growth slows significantly below 14°C and can stop entirely at 10°C, with prolonged exposure causing yellowing, stunted growth, and damage to leaves.

3. Heat Stress: Temperatures above 38°C can cause stress, leading to sunburn on leaves, reduced flowering, poor fruit filling, and lower yields.

4. Flowering and Fruit Development: Warmer temperatures promote faster flowering and fruit ripening, while cold weather delays these processes and results in uneven ripening and poor-quality fruit.

5. Frost Damage: Banana plants are highly sensitive to frost, which can damage leaves, pseudostems, or even kill the plant entirely.

6. Disease and Pests: High temperatures and humidity can increase pest and disease activity, such as Panama disease, while colder conditions may reduce these risks but slow plant growth.

7. Temperature Management: Proper mulching, shading, windbreaks, and irrigation are essential to protect plants from extreme heat or cold, ensuring healthy growth and good yields.

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Nitrogen (N): Essential for protein synthesis, promoting growth and yield (K. Nyombi a b et al., 2010).

Phosphorus (P): Important for cellular division and formation of energetic structures (K. Nyombi a b et al., 2010).

Potassium (K): Facilitates sugar transport, stomata control, and reduces susceptibility to diseases (Musa, 2006).

Calcium (Ca): A major component of cell walls, reducing susceptibility to diseases (Yamaguchi & Tanaka, 1996).

Magnesium (Mg): Central part of the chlorophyll molecule (Bergmann, 1992).

Iron (Fe): Necessary for chlorophyll synthesis (Marschner, 1995).

Manganese (Mn): Required for photosynthesis (Marschner, 1995).

Zinc (Zn): Important for auxins synthesis (Alloway, 2008).

Copper (Cu): Influences nitrogen and carbohydrate metabolism (Alloway, 2008).

Boron (B): Essential for cell wall formation and pollen tube elongation (Marschner, 1995).

Molybdenum (Mo): Component of nitrate-reductase and nitrogenase enzymes (Bergmann, 1992).

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Nitrogen Deficiency: Leads to slow growth, paler leaves, and reduced leaf area (K. Nyombi a b et al., 2010).

Phosphorus Deficiency: Causes stunted growth and dark green leaves (K. Nyombi a b et al., 2010).

Potassium Deficiency: Results in yellow leaf margins and poor fruit quality (Musa, 2006).

Calcium Deficiency: Causes tip burn and poor root development (Yamaguchi & Tanaka, 1996).

Magnesium Deficiency: Leads to chlorosis (yellowing) between veins (Bergmann, 1992).

Iron Deficiency: Causes interveinal chlorosis in young leaves (Marschner, 1995).

Manganese Deficiency: Results in gray spots on leaves (Marschner, 1995).

Zinc Deficiency: Causes reduced leaf size and rosetting (shortened internodes) (Alloway, 2008).

Copper Deficiency: Leads to wilting and dieback of shoots (Alloway, 2008).

Boron Deficiency: Causes fruit abortion and poor root growth (Marschner, 1995).

Molybdenum Deficiency: Causes whiptail disorder (distorted leaves) (Bergmann, 1992).

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5. Skin and Hair Benefits

Bananas benefit skin and hair health when consumed or applied topically. They help moisturize the skin, reduce signs of aging, and soothe irritation. For hair, banana masks can hydrate and nourish dry or damaged hair, making it soft and shiny.

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DEFICIENCY OF TEMPERATURE IN BANANA PLANT

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DEFICIENCY OF TEMPERATURE IN BANANA PLANT

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Deficiency of Temperature in Banana Plant Growth

Banana plants are highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Both low and high temperatures can negatively impact their growth and productivity:

1. Cold Temperature (<10°C)

Effects:

Slowed growth or complete dormancy.

Blackening and damage to leaves (cold stress).

Increased susceptibility to diseases.

Poor fruit development and lower yield.

Flowering may be delayed or inhibited entirely.

2. High Temperature (>35°C)

Effects:

Increased water loss through transpiration, leading to dehydration.

Scorching or sunburn of leaves and fruits.

Reduced fruit size, quality, and marketability.

Decline in photosynthesis due to heat stress.

3. Optimal Temperature

Bananas thrive at 25-30°C, where growth, photosynthesis, and fruiting processes occur efficiently. Deviations from this range significantly hinder their physiological processes.

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Carr, M. K. V. (2009). The water relations and irrigation requirements of banana (Musa spp.). Experimental Agriculture, 45(3), 333-371.

Jena, C., Panda, P. K., Sethi, K., Nayak, R. K., & Panda, R. K. (2024). Nutrient responsiveness and correlation analysis of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) cv. Balabhadra for vegetative, reproductive traits and nut yield under coastal Odisha condition. Journal of Environmental Biology, 45(5), 635-644.

Mahouachi, J., Arbona, V., & Gómez-Cadenas, A. (2007). Hormonal changes in papaya seedlings subjected to progressive water stress and re-watering. Plant Growth Regulation, 53, 43-51.

Turner, D. W., Fortescue, J. A., & Thomas, D. S. (2007). Environmental physiology of the bananas (Musa spp.). Brazilian Journal of Plant Physiology, 19, 463-484.