Calcium chloride in preharvest application to control the natural fruit dropping of 'FHIA-18' banana tree

ABSTRACT:

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of CaCl₂ application in preharvest and in different doses and times in order to control the natural fruit dropping of banana 'FHIA-18'. The experimental design was in a randomized blocks, in a factorial scheme 3x3+1 control, with three doses of CaCl₂ (2, 4 and 6%), three times of application (60, 90 and 120 days) after the bunch emission, with five replicates and one plant per parcel. A linear decrease of dropping resistance and fruit time maturation with increasing doses of CaCl₂ was observed. The fruits showed to be more consistent with three applications of CaCl₂. The calcium content of the peel and pulp were not significantly changed with the doses and applications of CaCl₂, indicating that calcium is not absorbed effectively by the fruits. The application of CaCl₂ in preharvest do not reduce the natural fruit dropping in banana 'FHIA-18'.

Key words:
Musa spp.; CaCl₂; finger drop; fruit quality