Organic Farming in the
Tropics and Subtropics
Exemplary Description of 20 Crops
Bananas
© Naturland e.V. - 2nd edition 2001
These cultivation guidelines have been published by Naturland e.V. with the kind support of
the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit mbH (GTZ, German Agency for
Technical Cooperation) financed by the Bundesministerium für Wirtschaftliche Zusammenar-
beit (BMZ, Federal Ministry for Development Cooperation). The cultivation recommendations
at hand for 20 crops of the tropics and subtropics being of significant importance for the
world economy were written by various authors.
Naturland would like mention the following authors and thank them for their contributions:
Franz Augstburger, Jörn Berger, Udo Censkowsky,
Petra Heid, Joachim Milz, Christine Streit.
The cultivation guidelines are available in English, Spanish and German for the following
crops:
banana, brazil nut, cashew nut, cocoa, coconut, coffee,
cotton, hibiscus, macadamia, mango, papaya, peanut,
pepper, pineapple, sugar cane, sesame, tea, vanilla.
The cultivation guidelines for bananas, mango, pineapple and pepper were revised in 2001
for the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) by Udo
Censkowsky and Friederike Höngen.
In 2002 two more guidelines, for rice and date palms, were published in English.
All the authors emphasize, that the cultivation recommendations at hand can just provide
general information. They do not substitute technical assistance to the farmers with regard to
the location.
All indications, data and results of this cultivation guidelines have been compiled and cross-
checked most carefully by the authors. Yet mistakes with regard to the contents cannot be
precluded. The indicated legal regulations are based on the state of the year 1999 and are
subject to alterations in future. Consequently all information has to be given in exclusion of
any obligation or guarantee by Naturland e.V. or the authors. Both Naturland e.V. and au-
thors therefore do not accept any responsibility or liability.
Furthermore the authors kindly call upon for critical remarks, additions and other important
information to be forwarded to the address below. The cultivation guidelines will be updated
regularly by Naturland e.V.
Naturland e.V.
Kleinhaderner Weg 1
82166 Gräfelfing
Germany
phone: +49 - (0)89 - 898082-0
fax: +49 - (0)89 - 898082-90
e-mail: naturland@naturland.de
website: www.naturland.de
We pass our gratitude to Peter Brul of Agro Eco for his helpful comments on the manuscript.
Our best thanks are also devoted to all supporters of this publication, in particular Mrs Sybille
Groschupf who cleaned up the text from errors in strenuous detail work and did the attractive
layout.
II Special section: Organic Cultivation of Bananas
Naturland e.V. – 2nd edition 2001
Index
1. Introduction ................................................................................................ 1
1.1. Botany .......................................................................................................... 1
1.2. Varieties and countries of origin................................................................... 1
1.3. Uses and contents ....................................................................................... 3
2. Aspects of plant cultivation ...................................................................... 4
2.1. Site requirements ......................................................................................... 4
2.2. Seeds and seedlings.................................................................................... 4
2.3. Methods of planting...................................................................................... 4
2.4. Diversification Strategies.............................................................................. 5
2.5. Nutrients and organic fertilisation management........................................... 6
2.5.1. Nutrient requirements................................................................................... 6
2.5.2. Organic fertilisation strategies...................................................................... 7
2.6. Biological methods of plant protection ......................................................... 7
2.6.1. Diseases ...................................................................................................... 7
2.6.2. Pests ............................................................................................................ 8
2.7. Monitoring and Maintenance........................................................................ 8
2.7.1. Crop Establishment...................................................................................... 8
2.7.2. Crop production............................................................................................ 9
2.8. Harvesting and post- harvest treatment ....................................................... 9
2.8.1. Harvesting .................................................................................................... 9
2.8.2. Preparation, transport and storage ............................................................ 10
2.8.3. Controlled ripening ..................................................................................... 11
3. Product specifications and quality standards....................................... 11
3.1. Processing ................................................................................................. 11
3.1.1. Handling ..................................................................................................... 11
3.1.2. Packaging and storage .............................................................................. 11
3.2. Dried bananas............................................................................................ 12
3.2.1. Processing ................................................................................................. 12
3.2.2. Quality requirements .................................................................................. 13
3.2.3. Packaging and storage .............................................................................. 14
II Special section: Organic Cultivation of Bananas
Naturland e.V. – 2nd edition 2001
3.3. Banana marmalades .................................................................................. 16
3.3.1. Processing ................................................................................................. 16
3.3.2. Quality requirements .................................................................................. 18
3.3.3. Packaging and storage .............................................................................. 19
3.4. Canned bananas........................................................................................ 21
3.4.1. Processing ................................................................................................. 21
3.4.2. Quality requirements .................................................................................. 23
3.4.3. Packaging and storage .............................................................................. 23
3.5. Banana pulp ............................................................................................... 25
3.5.1. Processing ................................................................................................. 25
3.5.2. Quality requirements .................................................................................. 26
3.5.3. Packaging and storage .............................................................................. 28
Annex: Quality Requirements............................................................................... 30
II Special section: Organic Cultivation of Bananas
Naturland e.V. – 2nd edition 2001 page 1
Organic Cultivation of Bananas
1. Introduction
Economically, the most important type of tropical fruit is the banana (Musa x paradi-
siaca L.). Marketing of bananas was begun largely by multinational companies, and
has altered in this respect little to this day. These companies often maintain a pro-
duction chain stretching from their own plantations to ripening stations at the final
ports of destination. Certain types of banana, but especially the plantain, form part
of the staple diet in many tropical countries.
Bananas grown organically have only appeared in recent years, and are invariably
intended for shipment to the European markets.
1.1. Botany
The banana belongs to the Musaceae family and includes the genera Musa and
Ensete. The economically important banana sorts belong to the Eumusa section.
The name Musa x paradisiaca is generally retained for the entire group of fruit and
cooking bananas, because many of the varieties are of a hybrid nature.
Edible bananas contain no seeds. Reproduction is carried out via its subterranean
rhizome, the shoots of which regularly forms fruitful buds. The banana plant pos-
sesses a so-called pseudo-stem, which is created by the leaf sheathes. Inflores-
cence usually begins around 7-9 months after planting, depending on climatic condi-
tions and type of soil. Parthenokarpy (unfertilised) fruits, standing together in groups
(clusters), develop from the female blossoms. Seed formation is still visible in the
fruit as blackened bands. The development period of the fruit can last up to ca. 3-4
months, depending on weather conditions. After the bunch has been fully formed,
the parent plant dies off.
1.2. Varieties and countries of origin
As a tropical culture, the banana places heavy demands on temperature (opt. 25°C)
and rainfall (opt. 1500-4000 mm). Nevertheless, bananas are also grown in sub-
tropical areas such as South Africa, Lebanon, Israel and on the Canary Islands, al-
though additional irrigation is generally necessary in these regions. In practical
terms, only cold-resistant dwarf bananas (”Dwarf Cavendish”) are suitable for these
regions.
Varieties of the Cavendish group currently dominate in commercial plantations, after
the taller ”Gros Michel” bananas were decimated by the Panama disease. In addi-
tion to the extensively grown commercial varieties, a large number of local varieties
are found in the tropical regions world-wide. These can be utilised in various ways to
accommodate different sites and production systems, and also combined with one
another.
II Special section: Organic Cultivation of Bananas
Naturland e.V. – 2nd edition 2001 page 2
Overview of the most important varieties and their characteristics 1
Varieties Characteristics and Genome
“Sucrier”
Around 60 varieties, mostly in SEA, resistant against Panama
disease, low yield. Genome: AA
”Ney Poovan”
From South India, varieties barely described, highly resistant
against Panama and Sigatoka diseases. Genome: AB
”Gros Michel”
Strong growth, fruitful, susceptible to Panama disease.
Genome: AB
”Robusta” and ”Lacatan”
Not as susceptible to Panama disease and wind break as ”Gros
Michel”. Genome: AB
”Dwarf Cavendish”
Especially suited to unfavourable climatic conditions, resistant
against Panama disease, but very susceptible to the Sigatoka
disease, widely distributed, especially in Australia, South Africa,
Israel and the Canary Islands, distributed world-wide
“Mysore”
Resistant against Panama disease and banana root
borer,grown in India, strong growth. Genome: AAB
”Silk”,
Grows fairly strong, widely distributed, resistant against Siga-
toka disease, but not against Panama disease. Genome: AAB
”Pome”
Strong growth, medium harvest, resistant against Panama and
Sigatoka diseases, distributed throughout southern India, Ha-
waii and E. Australia. Genome: AAB
“Bluggoe”
Strong growth, resistant against Panama and Sigatoka dis-
eases, only a few clusters with large, green fruits, high starch
plantain. Genome: ABB
“Pisank awak”
Very strong growth, resistant against Sigatoka disease, different
mutations, red flesh, contains seeds after fertilisation, grown in
Thailand. Genome: ABB
”Bodles Altafor"
Fruitful, resistant to diseases, but not tested sufficiently yet,
cross between ”Gros Michel” and ”Pisang lilin” (AA\ clone).
Genome: AAAA
”I.C.2”
Found in West India, Honduras and the Pacific region, cross
between ”Gros Michel” and M. acuminata, resistant against
Sigatka disease, less resistant against Panama disease.
Genome: AAAA
”Klue teparod”
Only natural tetraploide variety, fruit is matt grey, mushy,
stringy, sweet plantain in Thailand and Burma, a robust and
disease-resistant variety. Genome: ABBB
1 LÜDDERS, P. (1989) in: Manual about Agriculture and Nutrition in Developing Countries, Volume 4,
Ulmer.
II Special section: Organic Cultivation of Bananas
Naturland e.V. – 2nd edition 2001 page 3
There are many other local varieties, as well as common commercial varieties
grown under different local names.
Organically produced bananas have become more widespread in the past few
years. Most of the bananas intended for the European market are grown in the Ca-
nary Islands, as well as from Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Uganda
and Israel. Smaller organic projects also exist serving regional markets (e.g. Bo-
livia).
1.3. Uses and contents
The main form of the common eating banana is as fresh fruit, only a small proportion
enter the market in dried form. In Europe and North America, the common eating
banana, produced and marketed by a handful of major companies, is most wide-
spread. In contrast to this, smallholders produce mainly for themselves and for re-
gional markets, where the banana represents an important part of the daily diet.
Plantains play a large role here, and a wide variety are thereby cultivated.
The following represents nutritional values of the common eating banana2
Nutritional value of bananas per 100g fresh weight of the edible parts:
Contents Amount
water 75 g
Edible carbohydrates 20 g
Raw fat 0,3 g
Raw fibres 0,3 g
Vitamin A 400 I.E.
Vitamin C 10 mg
Energy 460 kJ
Reduction before eating 33%
Flour is produced from both plantains and eating bananas in many regions, which
can then be used in soups, baking or as a drink. The banana can also be used to
make vinegar and to brew alcoholic beverages. The stamina flowers can be used as
a vegetable, after briefly heating them in salty water (to remove the bitterness). Ba-
nanas can also be used as a starch-rich animal feed (pig farming). The fresh leaves
are high in protein content, and are preferred for their taste by cattle and chickens.
The leaves are also commonly used as packing material and for roofing. Along with
the pseudo-stem they offer excellent mulching material.
2 REHM, S. und ESPIG, G. (1976): Crops in tropical and subtropical regions, Ulmer Taschenbuch.
II Special section: Organic Cultivation of Bananas
Naturland e.V. – 2nd edition 2001 page 4
2. Aspects of plant cultivation
2.1. Site requirements
The ancestors of our commercial bananas originated from the Malaysian peninsula,
New Guinea and South-East Asia. They grow in alluvial and volcanic soils, as well
as in river deltas and forest perimeters, where the soil is rich in organic material.
They are part of both young and old secondary forest formations, where they are
located either at the top or the middle of the forest, according to variety and devel-
opment stage. This means that they are more or less adaptable to shade, according
to variety. In comparison with eating bananas, plantains require more soil fertility.
They grow in the upper layers of natural vegetation, therefore requiring more light,
and cannot tolerate extended periods of shadow. Commercially used varieties can-
not endure stagnant water conditions, and are susceptible to wind break (especially
when not grown in agroforestry system).
2.2. Seeds and seedlings
Bananas are reproduced vegetative. In accordance with availability, required
amounts and transport possibilities, the following are suitable:
� Whole rhizomes
� Rhizome pieces
� Shoots with inflorescence in the pseudo-stem
� Shoots lacking inflorescence in the pseudo-stem.
Using whole rhizomes is laborious. It requires a large amount of starting material
and generates high transport costs. Rhizome pieces and shoots lacking inflores-
cence in the pseudo-stem are less expensive.
It is very important that the shoots are undamaged, and originate from nematode-
free plantations. Prior to planting, the roots and any damaged spots should be re-
moved with a sharp knife.
2.3. Methods of planting
The distances between plants is determined by the variety, soil conditions and the
type of planting system. Slow growing plants, such as the Dwarf Cavendish, can be
planted in a density of 2500 plants/ha. The more robust Giant Cavendish, Robusta
or other strongly developing varieties are set at 600-1200 plants/ha. Experiences
culled in the different regions have led to a variety of recommendations regarding
size and depth of hole required, which should be heeded. It is recommended to
cover the planted rhizome with mulching.
The most suitable planting period is towards the end of the dry season, or at the
beginning of the rainy season, and is also dependent upon any accompanying
II Special section: Organic Cultivation of Bananas
Naturland e.V. – 2nd edition 2001 page 5
crops. Several seeds from different local shrubs and trees should be dropped into
each plant hole. Cuttings from varieties which reproduce vegetative can also be
used (Morbus albus, Malvaviscus arboreus, Gliricidia sepium, etc.).
In regions of intensive banana production, it is important to ensure that no undesir-
able pesticide-drift from conventional neighbouring plantations occurs. This is espe-
cially the case when aero spraying takes place. Under these circumstances, it is
necessary to plant high, growing hedges of sufficient depth.
2.4. Diversification Strategies
On conventional plantations, bananas are grown over large areas as part of a mono-
culture. A wide variety of combination possibilities is available for organic cultivation,
especially in connection with permanent crops and agroforestry systems.
The following recommendations pertain to the common eating banana. Due to their
high demands on soil (comp. 2.1.), an intensive accompanying vegetation is re-
quired. With sufficient foresight and planning, this can later be used to replace the
bananas. Due to the fact that specific plantation systems with the suitable variety of
plant need to be established for each region, site, and even for individual plots, it is
only possible to provide an overview of the basic guidelines here.
In principle, bananas can be combined with practically any type of cultivated or wild
plant which has similar eco-physiological requirements. Young banana plants are
excellent ”wet nurses” for other crops and forest plants, which can be planted very
close to the bananas.
Three examples:
1.
1. year 2. year 3. year 5. - 10. year from 11. year
Maize
Papaya Papaya
Banana Banana Banana Banana
Cocoa Cocoa Cocoa Cocoa Cocoa
Forest trees Forest trees Forest trees Forest trees Forest trees
2.
1. year 2. year 3. year 5. - 10. year from 11. year
Hibiscus
Banana Ba
