The Combined Effect of Some Organic Manures, Mineral N Fertilizers and Algal Cells Extract on Yield and Fruit Quality of Williams Banana Plants

摘要

This study was conducted during 2005/2006 and 2006/2007 seasons on the third and fourth ratoons of Williams banana plants grown in a private farm located at El-Mansoriea, Giza Governorate Egypt. This study aimed to throw some light on the effect of some organic N fertilizers and Algal extract on fruiting of Williams banana. Selecting the best ratio of organic and mineral N source as well the best organic N source and the optimum Algae extract concentration for such banana cv. was also concerned. Nitrogen fertilization through using both organic and mineral sources was greatly favorable in improving yield, hand and finger weight compared to using N via mineral source only. Organic N sources namely Banana compost caused a promising promotion on yield, hand and finger weight compared to the mineral source. The best results were obtained in Williams banana plants received N via banana compost and mineral source at 50% per each. Mineral fertilization did not show positive results. Spraying Algal extract at 25 to 100% considerably improved yield/plant, hand and finger weight compared to control plants. Raising concentration from 50 to 100% caused a slight promotion. Therefore, the recommended concentration was 50% Algae extract. The lowest values were detected on untreated plants. Organic fertilization by using 50% Banana compost + mineral source at 50% out of the recommended rate of N plus spraying Algal extract at 50% gave satisfactory promotion on the yield of Williams banana. Chemical character of Williams banana fruits were greatly improved as a result of using N in both organic and mineral sources rather than using N completely via mineral source only. Organic fertilization by using banana compost or F.Y.M was favorable for improving fruit quality in terms of increasing finger weight, total soluble solids %, total sugars % and in decreasing starch % and total acidity %. The best results with regard to quality of fruits were obtained from plants received N through 50% banana compost plus 50% out of the recommended rate (R.R) of N mineral source. Organic fertilization by using banana compost at 50% along with mineral N source at 50% of the R.R of N and foliar application of Algal extract at 50% gave the best results with regard to quality of the fruits. Unfavorable effects on fruit quality were recorded on plants did not receive organic fertilizers or spray with Algal extract.