Characterization of Banana Crowns: Microscopic Observations and Macroscopic Cutting Experiments

Banana crowns’ intricate vascular systems facilitate nutrient transport for fruit growth and provide mechanical support. Analyzing vascular bundle morphology facilitates understanding of its influence on the banana de-handing process. In this study, we employed X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) scanning and microscopic observation of paraffin sections to characterize the morphological traits of the banana crown’s vascular tissue system and reconstructed its 3D vascular tissue system throughout the banana bunch. Based on the internal tissue characteristics and external morphology, the banana crown is categorized into three regions: the central stalk–crown transition region (CSCTR), the crown expansion region (CER), and the crown–finger transition region (CFTR). Cutting experiments indicated that variations in the cutting strength and specific cutting energy across positions within the banana bunch were insignificant but significantly distinct among the three regions. Specifically, the CER showed a 19.7% reduction in cutting strength and a 15.5% decrease in energy consumption compared to the other regions. This was due to the unique cross-distribution of fibers within the CER, which were primarily parallel to the cutting blade, significantly reducing cutting forces and energy consumption, making the CER the optimal region for cutting. The orientation of vascular bundles relative to the blade is key to optimizing plant cutting mechanics.