Magnesio foliar y contenido clorofílico en Musa Paradisiaca L cv 'Curare Enano' El Carmen, Manabí.

Abstract

The study analysed chlorophyll content in the 'Curare Enano' banana cultivar (Musa paradisiaca L.) under different nitrogen levels using a Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD). Treatments included nitrogen doses of 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 kg N ha, along with a base NPK treatment. Chlorophyll a showed no significant differences across most phenological stages, with values ranging from 19.83 to 21.89. Conversely, chlorophyll bexhibited significant differences, peaking at 35.68 with 100 kg N ha. At the harvest stage, chlorophyll a reached its highest level with 150 kg N ha (20.20), while chlorophyll b was highest with the NPK base treatment (33.47). Nitrogen content peaked during the Leaf 30 stage (4.02%) and declined to 2.69% during Bellota and Harvest stages, reflecting higher usage during intermediate stages. Magnesium levels initially dropped to 0.18% (Leaf 20) but increased to a maximum of 0.28% at Harvest, highlighting its importance in late development stages. Leaf area steadily increased from 0.04 m² (Leaf 10) to 0.62 m² at Harvest. The application of 100 kg N ha⁻¹ positively impacted productivity, significantly increasing the weight and number of exportable fingers. These findings emphasise the importance of efficient nutrient management to optimise crop quality and yield.