The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effect of bunch protection on yield, ripening period and fruit quality of four banana cultivars [Thap Maeo (AAB), FHIA 18 (AAAB), Nanicão 2001 (AAA) and Prata Zulu (AAB)]. A randomized experimental design was employed in a 4x2 factorial comprising the four cultivars and two procedures (bagged and not bagged bunches), with four replicates. Bunches were conditioned in bags impregnated with organophosphorated insecticide. Variables analyzed were bunch weight, number of bands per bunch, bunch size, band weight, number of fruits per band, fruit length, pulp diameter, and fruit rind thickness. In local edaphoclimatic conditions, results showed that bag enclosure reduce bunch yield and pulp diameter on Prata Zulu cultivar. Protection of bunches on Nanicão 2001 increased fruit length. Number of bands per bunch, band weight, fruit thickness, number of fruits per band, and bunch size were not influenced by bag enclosure, and differences were detected only among cultivars. Time elapsed between emergence of inflorescence and fruit harvest showed significative correlation with bagged bunch yield only.
Musa sp.; bunch cover; fruit quality; bunch yield
