Research data on leaf parameters and chlorophyll content of Nendran banana leaves as influenced by different nutrient sources are given in Table 1 and Table 2.
Leaf parameters at 90 and 150 days after planting
Number of functional leaves
Results indicated that no significant differences were recorded for number of functional leaves of Nendran banana between the treatments. The number of leaves per plant was varied from 12.58 to 13.83. Combination of inorganic fertilizers with organic manures, biofertilizers and bioagents significantly increase growth parameters, leaf characteristics and leaf nutrient status of banana
(Thangaselvabai et al., 2009; Rajput et al., 2015). The duration of efficient and functional leaves has more relevance in influencing productivity than the total number of leaves.
Leaf area index (LAI)
There were no significant differences found in Leaf Area Index of Nendran banana at 90 and 150 days after planting stage. Among the different treatments, maximum LAI was recorded in T
4 (2.34) followed by T
3 (2.24). Minimum LAI (2.13) was recorded in T
9 at 150 days after planting which was with no manures and fertilisers (control).
The leaf characteristics in terms of functional leaves, total number of leaves, phyllochron, leaf area, and leaf area index were significantly influenced by the combination of inorganic fertilizers with different biofertilizers and organic manures
(Aremu et al., 2012).
Similarly, a study conducted by
Hazarika et al., (2015) reported that leaf nutrient status like nitrogen, phosphorus pentoxide, potassium dioxide, and leaf relative water content were also influenced greatly by different nutrients. Treatment involving combination of 100 percent recommended dose of fertilizer + Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi +
Azospirillum +
Trichoderma harzianum showed overall superiority in the growth parameters of banana.
Phyllochron index (PI)
The minimum days for successive leaf production (phyllochron) by plant crop was recorded. There were no significant difference in phyllochron index of at early vegetative stage of Nendran banana. But significant difference were observed at 150 days after planting. Among the different treatments, minimum phyllochron (7.33) was recorded in T
8 followed T
3 (7.92). Treatments T
6 (8.50), and T
4 (8.58) were found to be statistically on par. Maximum phyllochron (10.08) was recorded in T
9 (Control). The lowest phyllochron was registered and increased emergence of leaf production in organic treatments. Further, better utilization of natural resources led to better nutrients uptake resulted greater leaf production. Shortening of time interval between the successive leaves was due to optimum suuply of nutrients at appropriate growth stages. Reduction in leaf emergence rate in inorganic treatments was associated with lack of continuous supply of nutrients in banana.
Chaudhuri and Baruah (2010) reported extended phyllochron at higher density, especially at 7 MAP.
Chlorophyll content at 90 and 150 days after planting
Chlorophyll ‘a’ content
Results indicated that there were significant differences in Chlorophyll ‘a’ content among the treatments. The highest chlorophyll ‘a’ content (0.87 mg) was obtained in T
8, which was followed by T
3 (0.83mg) and treatments T
4 (0.75 mg) and T
5 (0.77) were on par. Lowest chlorophyll ‘a’ content (0.59 mg) was obtained in control (T
9).
Selvarajan (1991) observed that application of 110: 35: 330g of NPK in three splits combined with 2, 4-D foliar spray increased chlorophyll ‘a’ and’ b’ contents in Nendran.
At 150 days after planting, highest chlorophyll a content (1.20 mg) was obtained in T
8, which was followed by T
3 (1.14 mg). However, the treatments T
2 (1.06 mg), T
4 (1.05 mg), and T
5 (1.05 mg) were on par with each other. Lowest chlorophyll ‘a’ (0.91 mg) was obtained in control (T
9).
Nalina, (2002) reported that maximum photosynthates in terms of high biomass and translocating the assimilated materials to the developing sink resulted in heavier bunch weight. The role of nitrogen and potassium in the functioning of chlorophyll is well established. Nitrogen is the chief constituent of chlorophyll, proteins and amino acids, the synthesis of which is accelerated through increased supply of nitrogen. Fertigation with organic manures improved soil organic carbon and nutrient availability to banana plant. It may be due to the decomposition of organic matter, which facilitated humus formation preventing leaching of nutrients. Fertigation with organic manures ensure the supply of nitrogen, magnesium and amino acid which are directly involved in chlorophyll synthesis
(Kaswala et al., 2017).
Chlorophyll ‘b’ content
Chlorophyll ‘b’ content of the Nendran banana leaf was significantly influenced by nutrient sources. Among the different treatments maximum chlorophyll b (1.32 mg) content was also recorded in T
8 which was statistically on par ( 1.31 mg) with T
2 followed by T
4 (1.21 mg), T
6 (1.17 mg) and T
2 (1.12 mg). Minimum chlorophyll ‘b’ content (1.65 mg) was recorded in T
9 which was given no manures and fertilisers (Control).
At 150 days after planting, maximum chlorophyll ‘b’ was recorded in T
3 (1.67 mg) which was statistically on par with T
8 (1.62 mg) followed by T
5 (1.58 mg), and T
4 (1.49 mg). Minimum chlorophyll ‘b’ content (1.31) was recorded in T9 which was with no manures and fertilisers (control).
Selvarajan (1991) observed that application of 110:35:330g of NPK in Ney Vannan with three splits combined with 2, 4-D foliar spray increased chlorophyll ‘a’ and ‘b’ contents in Nendran.
Ingle et al., (2001) observed that tissue cultured plants of Robusta had significantly higher photosynthetic rate and stomatal conductance compared to suckers.
Total chlorophyll content
Among the different treatments, maximum total chlorophyll (2.18 mg) was recorded in T
8 followed by T
3 (2.15 mg). Treatments T
5 (2.00 mg), T
4 (1.95 mg) and T
7 (1.88 mg) were found to be on par. Minimum total chlorophyll content (1.65 mg) was recorded in T
9 (Control).
Mahalakshmi (2000) found that chlorophyll ‘a’, chlorophyll ‘b’ and total chlorophyll were higher in fertigated treatments than in control, indicating that fertigated treatments were effective in maintaining a high physiological status of the plant.
At 150 days after planting, maximum total chlorophyll (2.82 mg) was recorded in T
8 followed T
3 (2.80). Treatments T
5 (2.62 mg), and T
4 (2.54 mg) were found to be statistically on par. Minimum total chlorophyll content (2.22 mg) was recorded in T
9 (Control).
Selvarajan (1991) observed that application of 110:35:330g of NPK in Ney Vannan with three splits combined with 2, 4-D foliar spray increased chlorophyll ‘a’ and ‘b’ contents in Nendran. Photosynthetic rate is the most important physiological activity taking place in a plant. In the present investigation plants in treatment T
8 had the maximum photosynthesis rate. This indicates that the plants are physiologically active in exhibiting maximum photosynthetic rate, which may be due to the integration of higher rates of stomatal conductance and transpiration rate
(Mahalakshmi, 2000).
