EFFECT OF SHADE ON BANANA MORPHOLOGY, GROWTH AND PRODUCTION

The effect of three shade levels on morphology, growth and productivit y of 'Grand Nain' (AAA) bananas during their first and second producti on cycles was studied in the Jordan Valley, Israel. In vitro propagate d plants that were planted in the field in April 1990 were shaded with black saran screens of different densities, installed above the canop y level. The resultant photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) was r educed to 80%, 60% or 30% of the unshaded control. Although only the h eaviest shade affected plant vegetative growth in the first cycle, bun ch weight was reduced by 7% and 32% under medium and heavy shade, resp ectively. A highly significant effect on vegetative growth and product ion was observed during the second cycle. Flowering date was delayed b y 6 days, 9 days and 15 days, and bunch weight was reduced by 8%, 21% and 55% under light, medium and heavy shade, respectively. Yield was r educed by all levels of shade, owing to the combined effect of reduced bunch weight and a lower stand. Shading reduced the rate of leaf emer gence, leaf and foliage area, plant height and pseudostem circumferenc e. The leaves had thinner laminae, with a reduced number of stomata an d higher chlorophyll content. Our observations indicate a significant effect of long-term shade on bananas, and the utilization of high leve ls of PPFD by the banana plant.