Phenology of flower and fruit formation progression in Musa acuminata cv. Cavendish

Phenology is the study of plant life cycle stages and seasonal activities observed throughout the year. Musa acuminata cv. Cavendish bananas are valued for their resistance to pests and diseases, as well as their health benefits. This study was conducted at the Faculty of Sustainable Agriculture to determine the stages of flower and fruit development in Cavendish bananas, aiming to enhance yield through improved agricultural practices. Five main parameters were measured, including daily observations of each phase of banana fruit development. The number of days each bract takes to open and naturally fall off was recorded, starting from when each bract fully opens until it drops. The time required for each phase to form was recorded, the number of hands (banana clusters) was counted for each bunch, and finally, the harvested bananas were weighed to determine the average weight of each finger. The results indicate that Cavendish bananas grown in Sabah take approximately 89 days to complete the flower and fruit development cycle, producing 103–105 bracts and passing through 12 distinct growth stages. This development period aligns with findings from South Africa, where Cavendish bananas mature in 85–100 days after flowering. Variation in banana fruit maturity is influenced by environmental factors, such as climate, which affect the growth cycle.