Effect of different levels of calcium on growth and nutrient status of Hindy banana plants grown in sand culture [electronic resource].

Includes references.

This study was carried out during two seasons to study the effect of different levels of calcium on Hindy banana plants grown in sand culture. The different levels of calcium in the nutrient solution did not affect vegetative growth significantly. Removing or decreasing calcium in the nutrient solution only induced some chlorotic area at the tip and margin of the blade of older leaf at the base of the pseudostem. When Ca content in the blade of the third leaf from the top of the plant attained 1.15- 1.46%, it means a lack of calcium. The optimum level of calcium was obtained when Ca content ranged between 1.51-1.77%. When Ca content in the leaves attained 1.83 -1.96% it means a high level of calcium. When calcium was in excess the content increased up to 2.53%. Removing or decreasing calcium from the nutrient solution decreased Ca and Mg but increased K. However, N and P were not affected. Increasing calcium in the nutrient solution increased N and Ca but decreased P, K and Mg. Sodium content in the leaves was not affected with the different levels of calcium in the nutrient solution.

Summary in Arabic.

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