Banana desuckering follower sucker selection ratoon management kela Tamil Nadu
How should I manage and de-sucker a banana (kela) plantation for a single strong follower?
MMurugan S7mo ago · 300 views
4 Answers
🌾Farmer.in Krishi TeamExpert ✓7mo ago
Desuckering means removing extra suckers so the mother plant and one selected follower get full nutrients, light, and water. Through the main crop keep the mother plant alone, and only when it is well grown select one healthy sword sucker on the side away from the previous follower to carry the ratoon. Cut or gouge out all other suckers at ground level regularly, and avoid leaving water suckers with broad leaves because they compete heavily without bearing well. This keeps bunch size uniform and makes harvest and field movement easier. For your variety and ratoon plan, confirm the follower selection timing with your local KVK or horticulture officer.
MMurugan S7mo ago
We mark the chosen follower with a stick so labour does not accidentally cut it during cleaning rounds. Saves a lot of confusion in a big block.
SSenthil Kumar7mo ago
In our Grand Naine block near Erode we gouge the unwanted suckers rather than just cutting them, because a clean cut at ground level lets them sprout again in a week. Scooping out the central growing point with a sharp tool stops regrowth. Doing it every cleaning round keeps the field tidy and the mother plant strong.
PPandiyan M7mo ago
One tip on follower selection from our experience: pick a sword sucker with narrow leaves, not a broad-leaved water sucker, because the sword sucker has the better root system and gives a stronger ratoon bunch. We choose it on the side that keeps the row line straight so machinery and labour can move easily. Timing it when the mother plant is at shooting stage worked well for us.