Banana Peel Splitting is a complex physiological disorder affecting Banana crops’ productivity and profitability. Banana’s Peel Splitting physiological disorder affects Banana crops, causing them to produce low-quality yields. Peel Splitting is a significant disorder that affects the quality and marketability of bananas, resulting in significant economic losses for growers and exporters. This disorder is a significant challenge for banana growers, and effective management strategies are required to reduce its impact.
It is, therefore, crucial to understand the disorder’s underlying mechanisms and identify effective management strategies to mitigate its impact. This article provides an overview and discussion of Peel Splitting, including its symptoms, causes, and management strategies, to aid in sustainable banana production, effective control, and prevention of this physiological disorder in banana crops, ensuring profitable returns from this crop.
Banana Peel Splitting and Hard Lump Disorders Management
Characteristics of Banana Peel Splitting Disorder
- The disorder is characterized by the splitting of the peel along the longitudinal axis of the fruit, which can occur at any stage of development.
- The split can occur on one or both sides of the fruit. It is more commonly observed in the later stages of fruit development.
- The severity of the disorder can vary, ranging from mild splitting to complete separation of the peel, which can lead to fruit rot and spoilage.
- The area around the split can also show changes in color, such as browning or yellowing, indicating that the fruit is starting to decay.
- In severe cases, the split can extend deep into the fruit, causing internal damage.
- The splitting of the peel makes it less appealing to consumers and reduces its market value.
Causes of Banana Peel Splitting Disorder Development
- The disorder is often associated with changes in temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors that can affect fruit growth and development.
- When banana fruits are exposed to extreme environmental conditions, their growth and development can be affected, leading to the development of this disorder.
- Uneven irrigation can result in uneven growth, leading to the development of this disorder.
- Excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers can interfere with the nutrient balance of the plant and cause damage to the fruit.
- Other factors implicated in this disorder’s development include calcium and potassium imbalances, uneven irrigation, and excessive use of fertilizers.
Favorable Conditions of Banana Peel Splitting Disorder
- High temperatures above 30°C can cause excessive water loss from the fruit, leading to a lack of turgidity and weakening cell walls, making the fruit more susceptible.
- Low relative humidity of less than 60% is another favorable condition for developing this disorder.
- This disorder is most prominent in the rainy season immediately after prolonged dry spells.
- Insufficient water supply can cause the fruit to lose turgidity, leading to the development of the disorder.
- Rapid fruit growth can cause the fruit skin to split due to the inability of the skin to stretch quickly enough to accommodate the growth.
- When calcium is deficient in the soil, or when the uptake of calcium by the plant is inhibited, it leads to weaker cell walls, making the fruit more susceptible.
- Excessive use of potassium fertilizers or low potassium levels in the soil can lead to potassium imbalances.
Management Measures of Banana Peel Splitting Disorder
- Adopt good cultural practices such as proper irrigation and fertilization and monitoring and maintaining optimal environmental conditions during fruit development.
- Irrigate the field evenly to prevent water stress.
- Providing the right amount of shade can