Abstract
Field studies were conducted at two different locations in India during 1996-97 to determine the effect of cytozyme growth tonic on the yield of banana (Musa spp) cvs Nendran (AAB) and Karpuravalli (ABB) on a fine loamy soil (isohyperthermic, Typic Ustropepts). Basal application of cytozyme granules at 18 kg ha-1 together with 0.1% foliar spray six months after planting, enhanced the bunch weight significantly by 21.4% and 34.7% in cvs Nendran and Karpuravalli, respectively. Statistical analysis showed a positive direct effect of the treatment on internode length of cv. Nendran, bunch length, number of fruits per bunch, pulp to peel ratio, and in cv. Karpuravalli, the number of hands per bunch. The length and girth of the fingers and fruit weight in both cultivars were also increased. In addition to this, the higher cost:benefit ratio obtained with cytozyme application was 2.58 and 3.24 for cvs Nendran and Karpuravalli, respectively.
