Fruit yield and water productivity of 'Prata Anã' banana under different planting densities and irrigation depths

Abstract The objective of this work was to determine the fruit yield and water productivity of the 'Prata Anã' banana plant, under different combinations of planting densities and irrigation depths in its fourth production cycle. The experiment was designed in randomized complete blocks in a split-plot arrangement with four replicates, with the following factors: two levels of irrigation depth (50 and 100% crop evapotranspiration) in the plots and four levels of planting density (1,666, 2,083, 2,666, and 3,333 plants per hectare) in the subplots. Crop evapotranspiration and yield characteristics were evaluated. Reductions in the mass of hands, number of hands, and number of fruits were observed as planting density increased, as well as increments in the yield of hands and in water productivity and a reduction in water footprint. It is possible to increase the yield of the banana plant by increasing its planting density and reducing the irrigation depth applied in its fourth production cycle.