Uptake of P³² in papaya, banana & pineapple grown in a polyculture system

Issue Date

4-2008

Abstract

A radiotracer study was conducted to determine the uptake of phosphorus in the main secondary crops under papaya + pineapple and banana + pineapple intercropping systems using radio phosphorus. P³² was applied to 11-month old papaya and banana in two lateral distances and depths. Each banana received 3.28 mCi and each papaya 4 mCi. The activity of P³² in the achlorophyllous D leaves of pineapple, the blade of the 3rd leaf of banana, and the petiole of the leaf subtended by newly opened flower of papaya was determined in a scintillation counter. Results showed that banana in a pure stand had generally higher P³² activity than under intercropping. Both banana and pineapple as intercrops benefited from P³² applied to banana. In both pure stand and intercropping system, P³² activity in banana was higher at 40-cm than 80-cm radius, as well as at 15 cm deep. As the distance from the trunk increased, pineapple took in more P³². Pineapple at the point of application had higher P³² activity than at 30 cm inside or outside the point of application. Of the total P³² absorbed, 22% went to banana and 78% to pineapple. A similar results was obtained in the case of papaya. Higher activity was observed in papaya at 60-cm radius, 15-cm deep. Pineapple at the point of application had the highest P³² activity. The vigorous growths of the stems and leaves as well as the roots of papaya and banana raised as intercrops are a clear proof of the favorable synergism of pineapple with the main crop. Competition for nutrients may exist and reduce the growth of one of the crops in an intercropping system only under an insufficient supply of nutrients.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Journal of Crop Science

ISSN

0115-463x

Volume

33

Issue

1

Page

69-79

Document Type

Article

Frequency

tri-quarterly

Physical Description

graphs

Language

English

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