Macronutrient extraction in banana 'Dominico' (Musa spp.)

Musa spp. is one of the most important fruit crops in the world. Production in Mexico is ranked in the eighth place in the world. Nutrient imbalance is one of the main agronomic problems this species has to deal with. Modern fertilization programs must be designed based on nutrient demand by the cultivated plants, and according to their phenological phase. However, no information is available for 'Dominico', one of the most widespread cultivars in Mexico. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate dry mass and macronutrient accumulation and distribution in banana 'Dominico' during the fruit development phase. This is to determine the amount and timing of fertilizer application. Adult plants were randomly selected in a banana orchard established in Atzalan, Veracruz, Mexico. Root, corm, pseudostem, leaves with petiole, and the bunch were sampled at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks after inflorescence emergence (WAIE) on these plants. Samples were processed, and biomass accumulation and N, P, K, Ca, and Mg concentration were determined. Pseudostem was the plant part with the highest dry mass and nutrient accumulation. Potassium was the most extracted nutrient by the plant and the fruit. The sequence for total nutrient extraction per plant was: K > Ca > N > Mg > P. Fruit extraction sequence was: K > N > Ca >= P >= Mg. The highest nutrient extraction was detected at 4 WAIE. The quantity of mineral nutrients that would have to be replenished into the soil will be those extracted by the bunches because they are removed from the plantation. It is recommended that fertilizer applications be split up to the 2 WAIE. This is to guarantee nutrient supply by the 4 WAIE so that an optimum fruit and daughter plant development could be achieved.