Growth response of Cavendish (Musa AAA) and saba (Musa ABB) banana to Fertigroe R, N, P and K nanofertilizers

Plants' growth can be significantly improved using slow-release or controlled-release nanofertilizers. Nanotechnology enables the nutrients to be released at a slower rate. This increases the effective duration of nutrient availability and improves nutrient-use efficiency of plants. FertiGroe sup R is a zeolite-encapsulated single-nutrient nanofertilizers developed by UPLB. Initial kinetics studies had shown that it can release nutrients at a slower rate. Two field experiments were established in Mindanao [Philippines] to determine the response of Cavendish and Saba banana to FertiGroe sup R N, P and K nanofertilizers on June 2018. Two-month old Cavendish and three-month old Saba banana followers were applied with graduated levels of conventional fertilizers and FertiGroe sup R(0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100% and 125% of the recommended rate, RR). Timing of application for all the treatment was constant and was based from the prevailing fertilization schedule in the area. Plants' psuedostem girth, pseudostem height and number of leaves were measured and monitored monthly. Towards the end of the vegetative stage of the plants, the effect of FertiGroe sup R nanofertilizer on the growth of Cavendish and Saba banana was evaluated. For both cultivars, fertilizer treatment had no significant effect on the development of the psuedostem. This can be attributed to the dry spell that was prevalent during the early vegetative stage of the plants. In Saba banana, fertilizer treatment had a significant effect on the plant's leaf production and shooting time. Plants that received FertiGroe sup R at 50RR and 75RR produced leaves at a rate comparable with those plants that received conventional fertilizer at higher rate. In Cavendish banana, fertilizer treatment shortened the days needed for shooting. Plant that received with 75 FertiGroe sup R shoot two weeks earlier that the other plants. The results were suggestive that FertiGroe sup R nanofertilizers may improve leaf production and shorten days needed for shooting in Cavendish and Saba banana.