Agroeconomic viability of 'Farta Velhaco' banana plantations at increasing planting densities in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil

Abstract

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the morphological characteristics, yield, fruit quality, and profitability of the 'Farta Velhaco' banana (AAB, Plantain subgroup) subjected to increasing planting densities. The treatments consisted of four planting densities – 3,333, 2,222, 1,666, and 1,333 plants per hectare, whose spacings between plants were, respectively, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 m in the planting rows, arranged in a randomized complete block design, with four replicates. The planting density of 3,333 plants per hectare (4.0x2.0x1.0 m) provided yield increases, without affecting the fruit commercial standards. Although this spacing resulted in a higher production cost (US$ 5,634.06), it provided a higher operating profit (US$ 13,444.48). Therefore, the increases in planting density of up to 3,333 plants per hectare increment crop yield, without affecting the commercial quality of the fruit. The economic profitability is higher when using 3,333 plants per hectare (4.0x2.0x1.0 m), which is the most suitable plant density, considering the main morphological characteristics, as well as yield and fruit quality, in a production cycle.