The effects of some treatments on bunches in grand nain (Musa spp. AAA) banana cultivars on yield and fruit quality

Banana is one of the most important fruit types traded globally. Therefore, it is subject to national and international marketing standards in export and import processes. In recent years, Turkiye has achieved self-sufficiency in banana consumption due to the increase in banana production. This development has highlighted the importance of quality standards in the marketing of banana in the domestic market. Economic, practical, and sustainable efforts are required to improve quality and efficiency in domestic production. This thesis examines the effects of hand trimming (HT), gibberellic acid (GA₃) and potassium sulfate (PS) applications on banana yield and quality. This study was conducted between 2023 and 2024 in a banana greenhouse owned by Aymuz Devtaş AŞ in the Manavgat district of Antalya. The research material was the 'Grand Nain' (Musa spp. AAA) banana cultivar. The experiment included 12 treatments: two different hand trimming methods (1X HT and 2X HT), applications of GA₃ and PS alone or in combination sprayed on the bunches, and a control group. The study investigated the effects of these treatments on parameters such as bunch weight, yield per decare, the duration from bunch formation to harvest, finger circumference, finger length, and finger weight, as well as certain physical and chemical properties assessed postripening. The research findings revealed that GA₃ and PS applications, particularly when combined with hand trimming, significantly improved yield and quality parameters. The highest bunch and finger weights were obtained in groups where GA₃ and PS were applied together. Compared to the control group, HT, GA₃, and PS treatments shortened the time from bunch formation to harvest and increased finger circumference and length. Based on the findings, the T10 treatment (100 ppm GA₃ + 1.5% PS) was highlighted for achieving high yield, while the T11 treatment (100 ppm GA₃ + 1.5% PS + 1X HT) was recommended for balancing yield and quality. Additionally, the T12 treatment (100 ppm GA₃ + 1.5% PS + 2X HT) was suggested for production focused on quality.