Banana Stalk Research Articles

Banana Bunch Weight Estimation and Stalk Central Point Localization in Banana Orchards Based on RGB-D Images

Precise detection and localization are prerequisites for intelligent harvesting, while fruit size and weight estimation are key to intelligent orchard management. In commercial banana orchards, it is necessary to manage the growth and weight of banana bunches so that they can be harvested in time and prepared for transportation according to their different maturity levels. In this study, in order to reduce management costs and labor dependence, and obtain non-destructive weight estimation, we propose a method for localizing and estimating banana bunches using RGB-D images. First, the color image is detected through the YOLO-Banana neural network to obtain two-dimensional information about the banana bunches and stalks. Then, the three-dimensional coordinates of the central point of the banana stalk are calculated according to the depth information, and the banana bunch size is obtained based on the depth information of the central point. Finally, the effective pixel ratio of the banana bunch is presented, and the banana bunch weight estimation model is statistically analyzed. Thus, the weight estimation of the banana bunch is obtained through the bunch size and the effective pixel ratio. The R2 value between the estimated weight and the actual measured value is 0.8947, the RMSE is 1.4102 kg, and the average localization error of the central point of the banana stalk is 22.875 mm. The results show that the proposed method can provide bunch size and weight estimation for the intelligent management of banana orchards, along with localization information for banana-harvesting robots.

Organic fertilizer application combined with seed inoculation using rhizobacteria on tomato yield and quality

Organic fertilizer application combined with seed inoculation using rhizobacteria enables increases in industrial tomato production. The objective of this work was to assess the synergistic effect of organic fertilizer application and seed inoculation with rhizobacteria on tomato yield and quality. A randomized complete block experimental design with four replication was used, in a 6×3 factorial arrangement consisted of six fertilizer sources (mineral fertilizer; cattle manure; and organic composts based on tomato, sugarcane bagasse, tomato + sugarcane; and tomato + sugarcane + banana stalk) and three different seed inoculation with rhizobacteria (a control, without inoculation; inoculation with RZB 18; and inoculation with LEMB 17). The evaluated fruit characteristics were: commercial and non-commercial yields; firmness; soluble solids content (SSC); industrial yield; titratable acidity (TA); SSC to TA ratio, and pH. The rhizobacteria significantly affected all evaluated characteristics. The highest mean industrial yields were obtained with the application of mineral fertilizer (7.59), tomato-based compost (7.99), and sugarcane bagasse-based compost (7.95 Mg ha-1). Although seed inoculation with rhizobacteria did not affect fruit yield and quality, organic composts based on tomato and sugarcane bagasse residues might be used as organic fertilizer for industrial tomato production.

Solar and open sun drying of untreated and pretreated banana stalk chips biomass: a sustainable processing of biomass using renewable solar energy

The stalk of banana is an abundant biomass that can be sustainably converted into bioenergy, biofuels, biosorbents, animal feeds and fibers. The moisture content of freshly harvested banana stalk is high, so drying is essential before its storage and prior to some of the conversion processes. Hence, solar and open sun drying characteristics of banana stalk chips were investigated. Untreated (5, 10 and 15 mm thick) and pretreated (hot water, salt water and sulphite) banana stalk chips were dehydrated in a solar dryer and directly in sunlight. The data were fitted to twelve drying models. The moisture diffusivities were also evaluated. Banana stalk dried mainly in the falling-rate phase and the rate of drying increased with decreasing chip thickness. However, the chips dried slower in direct sunlight compared to the solar dryer. The pretreatments significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced the rate of dehydration of the chips in the solar dryer. Diffusivities for the solar and direct sunlight drying of banana stalk chips were 1.28 × 10–9–5.32 × 10–9 m2 s−1 and 1.08 × 10–9–3.65 × 10–9 m2 s−1, respectively. The Weibull model aptly described the solar drying of the chips while the Midilli-Kucuk and Weibull models most properly depicted the open sun dehydration of untreated and pretreated chips, respectively. Solar energy may be more efficiently utilized for drying banana stalk chips biomass by using a solar dryer as well as a very thin layer of chips and by pretreating the biomass prior to the drying operation. The effective use of solar energy for drying banana stalk biomass can reduce its processing cost and enhance the sustainability of biomass utilization.

Development of banana (Musa AAA) under different doses of biochar and chemical fertilizers

The main objective of the research was to evaluate the application of different doses of biochar as organic fertilizer to a banana (Musa AAA) crop. The biochar was derived from cocoa pod husks (CPH-B) and banana stalk (BC) and applied to banana plants between 130 and 140 cm tall. The treatments included doses of 32 kg ha-1 (T1) and 48 kg ha-1 (T2) of CPH-B, 32 kg ha-1 (T3) and 48 kg ha-1 (T4) of BC. In all experiments, 100 kg ha-1 potassium nitrate and 100 kg ha-1 phosphorus (P2O5) were applied. Significant differences (p≤0.05) were found in root weight, height and pseudostem circumference at T4. Bunch weights ranged from 16.44 kg (T2) to 21.10 kg (T4). The number of clusters per bunch increased from 6.6 (T1) to 8.5 (T2), with significant differences. Treatments T2 and T4 positively affected plant growth compared to the control plot, suggesting they could be used as an alternative in fertilization programs. Keywords: banana stalk; cocoa pod husk; nutrients

Clinical evaluation and digestibility of banana (Musa spp.) compared to the Coast Cross hay (Cynodon sp.) as food for sheep

The objective of this work was to carry out a feeding trial to evaluate the nutritional aspects of the aerial part of the banana in healthy sheep. In the first trial, twelve ewes were used in the tests to determine the digestibility of banana dry matter. In the second, six sheep were used with ruminal cannulas to evaluate the content of dry matter, crude protein, neutral and acid detergent fiber. Three treatments were analyzed: (A) stalk plus dried banana leaves, (B) dried banana stalk and (C) dried banana leaves. The leaves and stems of the banana tree proved to be an alternative source of nutrition for sheep, which, when properly formulated, does not compromise animal health.

Controlled release of Litsea cubeba oil from antimicrobial quail egg tray based on water lettuce root and banana stalk to inhibit the growth of pathologic bacteria, and its reusability

The shelf life of a quail egg is usually less than 7 days at a temperature of 30 °C. To improve a quail egg's shelf life, an egg tray should be developed. Active egg tray packaging based on water lettuce root and banana stalk containing Litsea cubeba (LC) was developed, and the effects on the quality of the quail egg, microbial growth, and its reusability stored in the developed tray at 30 °C for 14 days were evaluated. The analysis revealed that the egg tray containing 0.06% LC possessed antibacterial qualities against Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus on the quail eggs and could extend their shelf life from between 3 and 5 days to 14 days. The mode of action of the LC vapor released from the plant egg tray over the quail egg areas was found to exhibit antibacterial activity that damaged the cell wall, roughness, and caused disruption of the bacteria cell, according to a scanning electron microscope. Tensile strength, bursting strength, and tear strength of the LC paper egg tray presented good improvements in its physical and mechanical properties and could be reused to pack the quail egg and store it for at least three times (14 days' storage per time) at room temperature. It is useful for the farmer and retailers to handle egg. The customers also are able to inspect the safe and quality eggs when buying.

Extraction, characterization, and improvement of banana stem and water hyacinth cellulose fibers as reinforcement in cementitious composites

A sequential treatment for cellulose isolation from the banana stalk (BNSF) and water hyacinth (WHCF) based on the simultaneous fractionation of hemicelluloses and lignin by alkaline peroxide extraction has been studied. The crude cellulose was then purified by using an acetic acid-nitric acid mixture and further bleached with acidified sodium chlorite. The isolated cellulose was subject to analyses of associated hemicelluloses and lignin content. The structural changes between crude and purified celluloses were revealed by using FT-IR, TGA, and XRD analyses. The successive alkaline and bleaching treatments led to a significant loss in hemicelluloses and lignin, enrichment of the cellulose fraction, and increase in cellulose crystallinity but led to 3.1% to 5.4% degradation of the original cellulose. The crystallinity index of isolated cellulose was found to be increased from 38% to 90% for WHCF and 62% to 95% for BNSF. The cement composite with purified WHCF and BNSF exhibited comparable flexural strength to pure cement. The results showed that the flexural strength of the composites with 2.33 wt% of α-WHCF, 2.33 wt% of α-BNSF, and without fibers was 13.89 10.65 and 8.65 MPa, respectively. In other words, the flexural strength of the composite with α-WHCF was improved by 125%.

Enmiendas edáficas de biocarbones y SiO2 en plantas de banano con manejo de agricultura orgánica

The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of different doses of biochar (BC) obtained from cocoa pod husk (BCC) and banana stalk (BCB) in association with several organic manures on growth of succession plants. To determine the effects, it was established a completely randomized design, composed of treatments T1 (15 g of BCC), T2 (30 g of BCC), T3 (30 g of BCB), T4 (30 g of BCB) in mixture with 100 g of SiO2 and 500 ml of biol. Treatments T5 and T6 consisted of 60 g BCC and 60 g BCB + 50 ml of Trichoderma spp. and 50 ml of biol (T5) and treatment T7 consisted of 100 g of SiO2. In all treatments with BC the increase of soil pH was achieved but only in T1 a value &gt;pH 6 was reached. Plant height and pseudostem thickness at the end of the experiment were very homogeneous in the biochar treatments and higher than those obtained in the control treatment. The effect of biochar on the number of leaves at the end of the experiment ranged from 9 to 11 leaves, a favorable result for obtaining an optimal bunch for export.

Bioremediation Greywater using Vermifilter

Vermifilter is a greywater waste treatment by utilizing the symbiosis of earthworms with microbes. Vermifilter is more efficient, simple in design, and easy to maintain. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of vermibed material on the concentration of BOD5, NH3-N, and DO in greywater waste treatment using vermifilter. The study used four vermifilter reactors (VF) with filtration media for gravel, coconut fiber, rough sand, and vermibed. Reactor VF1 uses a vermibed mixture of mustard greens and cabbage, VF2 sawdust, VF3 banana stalk, and VF4 cow dung. This study provides results that VF1 removal BOD5 90%, NH3-N 98%, and increase DO 164%; FV2 removal BOD5 92%, NH3-N 98%, and increase DO 185%; FV3 removal BOD5 94.5% NH3-N 98.5%, and increased DO 156%; and FV4 decreased BOD5 93%, NH3-N 99%, and increased DO 270%. The media material had no significant effect on the concentration of BOD, NH3-N, and DO.

Combustion, Physical, and Mechanical Characterization of Composites Fuel Briquettes from Carbonized Banana Stalk and Corncob

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reported that consumption of fossil fuels and their products has contributed about 65% of the global greenhouse gas emission. Therefore, it is expedient to look for alternative energy sources for an eco-friendly environment. The EPA recommended using biomass energy as a promising stabilization option to alleviate global climate change. This study focused on developing composites fuel briquettes from a blend of carbonized corncob and banana stalk. Carbonization was carried out at 380 oC, while 60 min was adopted as the residence time. Briquettes were manufactured at different blending ratios (90CC:10BS, 80CC:20BS, 70CC:30BS, 60CC:40BS and 50CC:50BS of corncob: banana stalk, respectively) and compaction pressures (50, 70 and 90 kPa) using gelatinized starch as binder. The manufactured briquettes' calculated and actual calorific values varied between 18.98-22.07 MJ/kg and 20.22-23.12 MJ/kg, respectively, while shatter indices were in the range of 38.22-89.34%. The compressed and relaxed densities of the fuel briquettes were in the range of 0.32-1.39 g/cm3 and 0.22-1.02 g/cm3, respectively. The relaxation ratio and water resistance properties varied between 1.11- 2.21 and 11-23 min, respectively. Analyses of the results revealed that compaction pressure, blending ratio, and particle size substantially affect the combustion and physico-mechanical characteristics of the manufactured fuel briquettes. When optimum combustion and physico-mechanical properties are required, a sample made from 90CC:10BS (S1) is recommended for use. The fuel briquettes manufactured in this study possess the required thermal and physico-mechanical properties of solid fuel; therefore, it is recommended for different applications.

Effectiveness of agricultural waste in the enhancement of biological denitrification of aquaculture wastewater.

Nitrogen pollution in aquaculture wastewater can pose a significant health and environmental risk if not removed before wastewater is discharged. Biological denitrification uses external carbon sources to remove nitrogen from wastewater; however, these carbon sources are often expensive and require significant energy. In this study, we investigated how six types of agricultural waste can be used as solid carbon sources in biological denitrification. Banana stalk (BS), loofah sponge (LS), sorghum stalk (SS), sweet potato stalk (SPS), watermelon skins (WS) and wheat husk (WH) were studied to determine their capacity to release carbon and improve denitrification efficiency. The results of batch experiments showed that all six agricultural wastes had excellent carbon release capacities, with cumulative chemical oxygen demands of 37.74–535.68 mg/g. During the 168-h reaction, the carbon release process followed the second-order kinetic equation and Ritger-Peppas equation, while carbon release occurred via diffusion. The kinetic equation fitting, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results showed that LS had the lowest cm and the maximum t1/2 values and only suffered a moderate degree of hydrolysis. It also had the lowest pollutant release rate and cumulative chemical oxygen demand, as well as the most efficient removal of total phosphorous (TP) and total nitrogen (TN). Therefore, we concluded that LS has the lowest potential risk of excess carbon release and capacity for long-lasting and stable carbon release. The WS leachate had the highest TN contents, while the SPS leachate had the highest TP content. In the 181-h denitrification reaction, all six agricultural wastes completely removed nitrate and nitrite; however, SS had the highest denitrification rate, followed by LS, WH, BS, SPS, and WS (2.16, 1.35, 1.35, 1.34, 1.34, and 1.01 mg/(L·h), respectively). The denitrification process followed a zero-order and first-order kinetic equation. These results provide theoretical guidance for effectively selecting agricultural waste as a solid carbon source and improving the denitrification efficiency of aquaculture wastewater treatment.

Initial Characterization of Bio-Slurry as Liquid Fertilizer

The demand for organic fertilizers in Indonesia is currently in a critical state. In 2015, it was noticed that the demand of Indonesia for NPK fertilizers reached over 6.5 million tons per year. Given the current state of demand for organic fertilizers in Indonesia, it is imperative to have alternative organic fertilizers that are environmentally friendly and readily available raw materials. One alternative is to use biogas waste that contains essential plant-based nutrients such as NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) and additional nutrients such as magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca) and sulfur (S). The composition of Bio-Slurry after fermentation consists of 25% ± 5 dry matter and 75% ± 5 water. If the dry substance is decomposed, it contains 18- 27% organic matter. The production of liquid organic fertilizers from BioSlurry requires some anaerobic fermentation process lasting 20 days. During the fermentation process it is necessary to additional raw materials such as cow urine, banana stalk and banana peel to add the N, P and K values to BioSlurry. In the initial characterization test, BioSlurry liquid (after pressing) showed an NPK value of <1% and a C-Organic value of 0.04.

Functionalized Banana Stalk for Lumefantrine Drug Removal

Functionalized banana stalk (BSAC) was investigated as a potential adsorbent in removing a commonly used pharmaceutical antimalaria drug, Lumefantrine (LUMF). The raw banana stalk was chemically treated with orthophosphoric acid to enhance its adsorptive properties. The effect of LUMF initial concentration, temperature, solution pH, and contact time on the adsorption process was studied using the batch equilibrium process. The surface characteristics of the prepared adsorbent were investigated using SEM, FTIR, proximate analysis, and the Boehm titration techniques. The FTIR spectra showed notable peaks that are responsible for the adsorptive uptake of LUMF. The micrograph from the SEM showed well-developed pores which can be attributed to the effect of the acid treatment, and results from the proximate analysis showed 73.92% carbon content which is a remarkable percentage for a favorable uptake. The sips isotherm model best fitted the experimental data with an R2 = 1, and a maximum adsorption capacity of 102.1 mg/g. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model best explains the kinetics of adsorption of LUMF onto BSAC with R2 values ranging from 0.9845-0.9997. Thermodynamic studies suggest that LUMF uptake by BSAC is endothermic, spontaneous, and thermodynamically favored. BSAC was found to be effective in removing LUMF from aqueous solutions.

Co-hydrothermal carbonization of sewage sludge and banana stalk: Fuel properties of hydrochar and environmental risks of heavy metals

This study investigated co-hydrothermal carbonization (co-HTC) of sewage sludge (SS) and banana stalk (BS), mainly focusing on the variations in hydrochar fuel properties and migration behavior of heavy metals (HMs) responding to different reaction temperature and SS/BS mixing ratios. This work established reliable mathematical models to integrate discrete experimental points and further obtain continuous response surfaces. Moreover, coupling with the two-way analysis of variance, the relationship between hydrochar properties and process parameters could be intuitively described. Statistical analysis (P-value) revealed that the mixing ratio was the most dominant factor affecting various hydrochar characteristics. The synergistic effects, mainly induced by Maillard and Mannich reactions, would contribute to superior hydrochar yield, C and N contents, higher heating value, and energy yield compared with their calculated values. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that co-HTC with BS was a viable avenue to improve hydrochar combustibility index S to an acceptable level, with figures elevating from 1.34–1.58 to 27.71 (10−7×min−2×℃−3). Additionally, co-HTC of SS and BS could generate efficient synergistic HMs immobilization effects, promoting the transformation of HMs from direct/potential eco-toxic fractions to non-toxic fraction, thereby largely reducing ecological risks of hydrochar. These findings provided referential information for harmless and resource utilization of SS and BS.

Dried Corn Husk and Banana Stalk Usage Test Analysis as A Secondary Packaging Material for Solid Soap BeeKella

BeeKella soap is a natural solid soap made from propolis and trigona bee honey, produced by a group of bee livestock as part of an MSME business scheme. This soap is made without heating using a soft soap that is slightly soft/oily. The purpose of this study is to investigate the properties of some secondary packaging materials with a natural impression, such as dry corn husks, dried banana fronds, and paper boxes. The organoleptic test was conducted for three months on the packaging materials and soap conditions, as well as the packaging cost calculation. After one month of storage in a small portion of sample with the packaging material of corn husks and banana stalks. The result showed signs of organoleptic changes, whereas soap products did not show any changes until three months of testing. The average packaging time for dry corn husk material was 88 seconds per soap in the packaging cost test, and the average packaging time for banana stalks was 72 seconds. The use of dried banana stalks caused physical damage to the material during packaging due to its more flexible nature. less than using dry corn husks. A change in the color of the packaging materials is the most prevalent form of alteration that happens in the second month. In conclusion, corn husks and banana stalks are only appropriate for a one-month storage when used as packaging materials for BeeKella soap products. The test also demonstrates that utilizing these two packaging materials increases packaging time significantly.

PERFORMANCE OF FILTERS COMPOSED OF BANANA STALK IN SWINE WASTEWATER TREATMENT

ABSTRACT Using organic filters produced in local communities with low financial cost can reduce the environmental impacts caused by the disposal of untreated wastewater into receiving water bodies. In this study, the objective was to evaluate the efficiency of the filtration of swine wastewater (SWW) using banana stalk as an alternative material in an organic filter. SWW was applied to the organic filter and the filtered volume was converted into pore volume. Analyses of total solids, turbidity, color, total phosphorus, and total nitrogen were performed in the filter feed solution and effluent to evaluate treatment efficiency. Regression analyses were used to obtain equations in the estimation of the filtration performance in removing these variables from wastewater, with pore volume as an independent variable. The banana stalk filter did not remove total solids and color from the feed solution applied. Removal of 10–50% of SWW turbidity were obtained by the banana stalk. Banana stalk was highly efficient in removing nitrogen and phosphorus from SWW, reaching mean removals of 67% and 62%, respectively. In general, a banana stalk filter can be considered a promising alternative in the primary treatment of SWW.

Organic mulch sheet as a mitigation strategy in vegetable cultivation: Its effect on the growth and yield of chili (Capsicum annum L.)

Plastic mulch, mainly used in chili cultivation, is less environmentally friendly due to its non-biodegradable characteristic. An alternative biodegradable mulch is needed to support growth and produce a desirable yield. Organic mulch sheet (OMS) is a promising alternative because it is made from natural fiber which is abundant and renewable organic material. This study aimed to understand the effect of organic mulch sheet (OMS) application on the growth and yield of chili (Capsicum annum L.). This research was carried out using a simple randomized complete block design with one control (black-silver plastic mulch) labeled as M0 and seven treatments (OMS compositions namely percentage of water hyacinth and banana stalk) labeled as M1 (80:20), M2 (70:30), M3 (60:40), M4 (50:50), M5 (40:60), M6 (30:70), and M7 (20:80). Mulch application significantly affected growth (plant height and number of leaves) and yield (fruit weight per fruit and fruit length) variables of chili. Although there was no significant difference in fruit weight per plant between control and OMS compositions, OMS application (M4) increased the yield of chili up to 25% from control. This finding affirmed that OMS is suitable for chili cultivation and can be used as a substitute for black-silver plastic mulch.

Microwave Drying of Banana (Musa acuminata) Stalk Biomass before Conversion to Value-added Products

Banana stalk biomass can pose disposal, environmental and health challenges. Fortunately, this biomass can be converted to value-added products including biofuels, bioenergy, biosorbents, fibers and animal feeds. However, it is necessary to remove moisture from the fresh biomass by drying before storage and conversion processes. Conventional drying in open sun is slow and weather dependent, but higher heating rates and faster drying rates can be achieved in a microwave dryer. Hence, the microwave drying characteristic of banana stalk biomass was investigated. Banana stalks were sliced into 5 mm thick pieces and dried in a microwave oven at power levels of 400 – 1000 W, the stalk slices were weighed at interval until the mass remained constant. The effective moisture diffusivity, activation energy and energy required for drying were determined. The microwave drying data were also fitted to twelve thin layer drying mathematical models to describe the kinetics of the drying process. The drying time of banana stalk slices decreased with increasing microwave power. The drying occurred mainly in the falling rate period. The effective moisture diffusivities were 4.14 × 10-9 – 2.00 × 10-8 m2 s-1 at 400 – 1000 W. The activation energy was 122 W g-1 while the total and specific energies required for the microwave drying were 0.25 – 0.37 kWh and 34.8 – 51 kWh/kg, respectively. The Weibull model suitably described the microwave drying kinetics of banana stalk slices. The moisture present in fresh banana stalk waste biomass can be effectively and rapidly removed by microwave drying before conversion processes.

A Method of Fast Segmentation for Banana Stalk Exploited Lightweight Multi-Feature Fusion Deep Neural Network

In an orchard environment with a complex background and changing light conditions, the banana stalk, fruit, branches, and leaves are very similar in color. The fast and accurate detection and segmentation of a banana stalk are crucial to realize the automatic picking using a banana picking robot. In this paper, a banana stalk segmentation method based on a lightweight multi-feature fusion deep neural network (MFN) is proposed. The proposed network is mainly composed of encoding and decoding networks, in which the sandglass bottleneck design is adopted to alleviate the information a loss in high dimension. In the decoding network, a different sized dilated convolution kernel is used for convolution operation to make the extracted banana stalk features denser. The proposed network is verified by experiments. In the experiments, the detection precision, segmentation accuracy, number of parameters, operation efficiency, and average execution time are used as evaluation metrics, and the proposed network is compared with Resnet_Segnet, Mobilenet_Segnet, and a few other networks. The experimental results show that compared to other networks, the number of network parameters of the proposed network is significantly reduced, the running frame rate is improved, and the average execution time is shortened.

Thermomechanical analysis of African tannins resins and biocomposite characterization

The Daniellia oliveri, Ficus sycomorus, Butyrospermum parkii and Azadirachta indica barks tannins were extracted, used in the development of four different resins hardened with the Vachellia nilotica exudates and in the development of an unidirectional biocomposite reinforced with woven banana stalk fibers. The percentage yield of these tannins was, respectively, 29%, 46%, 40% and 35%. Their behavior and reactivity were studied using gel time and thermomechanical analysis. The F. sycomorus resin reacted well with V. nilotica as biohardener, its gel time was 600 s. The modulus of elasticity (MOE) of R1, R2, R3 and R4 resins formulations were, respectively, 2.37*103 MPa, 7.05*103 MPa, 4.62*103 MPa and 2.65*103 MPa. They degraded, respectively, at 183, 174, 139 and 165 °C. The MOE and bending strength (MOR) of each unidirectional biocomposite were, respectively, 10; 24; 18; 15 GPa and 52; 78; 66; 60 Mpa.