Some Preliminary Findings on the Value of Granular Nematocides for Improving Banana Production in the Windward Islands

Abstract

Granular applications of prophos 5 g a.i., phenamiphos 3 g a.i., carbofuran 2.5 g a.i. and oxamy! 6 g a.i. to bananas in the planting holes and subsequent surface applications at 2, 6, 10, 14 and 18 months after planting have given good nematode control as compared with a standard DBCP (dibromochloropropane) (75% e.c.) application of 11.23 l/ha (5.7 cc per plant) every six months and untreated plots. Although the differences in plant crop yields are not statistically significant the production cycle of the granular nematocide treatments was 23–30 days faster than that of control and DBCP treatments. Production data from the ratoon crop indicates a similar pattern.