Grouth and development of two banana cultivars under saline stress

Abstract

Keeping in view that salinity affects may vary between species, between varieties of the same specie and in development stages of the same genotype, two experiments were conducted under field conditions to evaluate: gouth development of two banana varieties (Musa spp), under irrigated conditions with water of different salinities, during the first production cycle (300 days), evaluations were made at interval of 45 days, through samplings. It was verified that all the primary variables were influenced by the time and the variety, except the total leaf area, the stem pseudo diameter and the dry phytomass of the leaves, when water of low salinity was used. The cycle of both varieties was delayed whem saline water was used and Prata Anã variety was found to be more tolerant to salinity in comparision to Grand Naine.

Key words:
Musa spp; Prata Anã; Grand Naine