ABSTRACT
This study looked into how mature coconut water affected the growth and development of side suckers in nine varieties (Caprichosa, Japira, Pacova Ken, Plantina, Preciousa, Princessa, Tropical, 1307 SH 3640, CRBP 39) of acclimated tissue culture plantlets of banana (Musa sp.) grown in containers of 60 cm diameter and about 65 cm depth using complete compost medium. The experiment used a completely randomized design and was done in the screen house of the Department of Crop Science at the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria. The findings demonstrated that mature coconut water substantially promoted side sucker growth, boosting side sucker height, girth, and leaf count after four weeks of use. Additionally, treating with mature coconut water accelerated sucker emergence and growth. The application of mature coconut water on Musa specie resulted in varying responses among the nine cultivars tested. Japira, Princesa, and Pacova ken were the banana (Musa sp.) cultivars with the highest response to mature coconut four weeks after application, with Japira having the highest sucker height (42.90 cm) and number of leaves on suckers (5.00), and Princesa and Pacova Ken showing a higher number of suckers (2.00 suckers each). Five banana (Musa sp.) cultivars (1307 SH 3640, Caprichosa, CRBP-39, Preciosa, and Tropical) showed the least response to mature coconut water, with minimal or no sucker development. These findings indicate that mature coconut water considerably impacts the growth and development of side suckers in banana cultivars (Musa sp.) and that different banana (Musa sp.) cultivars react differently to this treatment.
