Root distribution according to phenology in plantain cultivars (Musa AAB), Ecuador

Abstract Plantain is the fourth most important crop in the world, considered as a basic and export product in Ecuador. The root distribution of three plantain cultivars (Musa AAB) grown in Ecuador was evaluated at the “Río Suma” Experimental Farm, “Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí” University, 0º15’ S, 79º26’ W. Plantain cultivars were ‘Barraganete’, ‘Curare Enano’ and ‘Dominico Hartón’, and root distribution was determined according to the phenology of plants (10, 20, 30, 40 leaves (inflorescence) and harvest), seeded at 2.5 m x 1.8 m. In a completely randomized block design with five replicates, five plants·cultivar-1 were selected for each evaluation. Root distribution was carried out in soil profiles between rows. The greatest root distribution occurred 20 cm laterally, up to 40 cm in depth. Longitudinally, ‘Curare Enano’ roots occurred up to 60 cm, ‘Dominico Hartón’ (50 cm) and ‘Barraganete’ (40 cm); at 40 cm in depth ‘Barraganete’ and ‘Curare Enano’ had roots up to 30 cm in length and ‘Dominico Hartón’ up to 50 cm. The root distribution of the three cultivars can establish agronomic management criteria to determine plant density, fertilization and irrigation.