Use of amino acids in banana management points to benefits

As it is a plant typically found in tropical climates, the banana tree requires care such as constant heat, well-distributed rainfall and high humidity for its good development. However, controlling the climate goes beyond the producer's capacity, so the ideal is to look for ways to reduce production stress.

In this sense, the use of fertilizers with anti-stress benefits, such as those containing the amino acids proline and glycine-betaine, can help management in extreme environmental periods with less energy expenditure. Thus, banana plants can redirect their compounds and energy towards the formation and filling of fruits.

A study carried out during the 2019/2020 harvest by UNESP Registro/SP, in partnership with Ajinomoto Fertilizandos, carried out the application of the product AMINO Proline, an organomineral fertilizer that has in its composition the amino acids proline and glycine-betaine, in banana tree production in region of Vale do Ribeira (SP). Applying the product at a dose of 25 ml/liter of water led to an increase of 1,87 kg in bunch weight.

This increase in production, even under adverse conditions, is related to glycine-betaine, which acts as a biostimulator and induces a protective effect on the plant, triggering a state of alert for possible stress events. “This condition leads to less water loss in the cells and enhances the growth of curls”, explains Rafael Hirano, senior specialist in the technical area at Ajinomoto Fertilizers, who followed the UNESP research.

As a complement, the amino acid proline reduces damage caused by adverse conditions, such as lack of water and extreme temperatures, allowing the plant to make better use of water, which increases its resistance capacity. “Like glycine-betaine, proline is a compound that helps the plant to be more prepared to face critical situations. This amino acid works as a kind of vaccine and can be a great ally in physiological management, which increases production potential”, says the specialist.