Assessment of Varietal Growth of Plantain and Banana in South-western Nigeria

摘要

Southwestern parts of Nigeria are located within savanna and forest agro-ecological zones in which the economy is agrarian in nature. The major crops intercropped with plantain and banana are cocoa (when young) and cocoyam. This research was thereforegeared toward the collection of various types of plantains and bananas commonly grown in the south west in order to increase genetic lines in the gene bank of the National Horticultural Research Institute, Ibadan. Information was obtained from six states (Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti and Edo). Data were collected from farmers in 50 farms from each state who had large and small farms using direct questioning, measuring tapes for plant height, stem girth, leaves length and breadth. Soil observations oneach farm were carried out and soil characteristics such as texture, stoniness and colour were determined. The results of the survey indicate that farmers had given more attention to the cultivation of the crops either intercropped with cocoyam or cocoa(when young) or when planted as a sole crop. The majority of farmers had their plantain and banana farms in their backyards. Most of their cultural practices were rain-fed with uniform population variability. 'Saro' banana variety showed significant difference (P < 0.05) among the mean value in plant height and stem girth. 'Saro' banana in Owode Owena community recorded highest plant height and stem girth when compared with Owan and Aramoko. The major constraints to production were nematodes, weevil infestation and the lack of knowledge of cultural and maintenance practices.