Bagging time of ‘Prata-anã’ banana regarding anthracnose control

Abstract The aim of this work was to determine the bagging time of ‘Prata Anã’ banana in order to reduce anthracnose disease. Treatments consisted of protection of banana bunches with TNT bags at emission, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after emission and of unpacked bunches. Fruits were collected, stored in refrigeration chamber (25 ± 1 °C and 80 ± 5% RH) and evaluated for anthracnose incidence and severity. The study design was completely randomized with six treatments, repeated over two years. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey test (p <0.05). The physical and chemical characteristics of stored fruits were evaluated every three days for 12 days. The study design was completely randomized with six treatments, four evaluation periods, repeated over two years. Results were submitted to analysis of variance and regression (p <0.05). The anthracnose incidence was reduced by up to 67% by bagging bunches at emission. Bunches bagged at emission and at the first month of development did not show anthracnose severity. Bagging bunches reduces anthracnose incidence and severity. The bagging time does not interfere with the physical and chemical characteristics of fruits.