© The Authors, 2025, Published by the Universidad del Zulia*Corresponding author:lrjacome4@espe.edu.ec
Keywords:
Foliar
Fiber
Sucker
Pseudostem
Yield
Eect of dierent fertilizer sources on the yield and ber quality of Musa textilis ‘Tangongón’
Efecto de diferentes fuentes fertilizantes en la producción y calidad de bra de Musa textilis
‘Tangongón’
Efeito de diferentes fontes de fertilizantes na produção e qualidade da bra de Musa textilis
‘Tangongón’
Leonardo Rafael Jácome Gómez
1
*
Janeth Rocío Jácome Gómez
2
María Cristina Martínez Sotelo
3
Marco De La Cruz Chicaiza
2
Holger Froilán Chica Solórzano
3
Rev. Fac. Agron. (LUZ). 2025, 42(4): e254258
ISSN 2477-9407
DOI: https://doi.org/10.47280/RevFacAgron(LUZ).v42.n4.XVI
Crop production
Associate editor: Dr. Jorge Vilchez-Perozo
University of Zulia, Faculty of Agronomy
Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
1
Universidad de las Fuerzas Armadas ESPE. Vía Santo
Domingo – Quevedo km 24, Santo Domingo, Ecuador.
2
Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí. Av. 3 de julio
PG9P+MF8, El Carmen, Ecuador.
3
Instituto Superior Tecnológico Tsáchila. Av. Galo Luzuriaga
y Franklin Pallo. Santo Domingo, Ecuador.
Received: 01-10-2025
Accepted: 19-11-2025
Published: 11-12-2025
Abstract
The fertilization of abacá through the application of organic and
chemical fertilizers inuences ber production, but its combined
eect still requires evaluation. This research evaluated the eect of
dierent fertilizer sources on the ber production of the ‘Tangongón’
abacá in Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Ecuador, to determine
the most ecient alternative for improving abacá ber yield and
quality. A randomized complete block design with a 2×3 factorial
arrangement and four replications was used. Two soil fertilizers and
three foliar fertilizer conditions were evaluated, and growth, yield,
and ber quality variables were analyzed. Fertibanano without foliar
supplementation stood out for achieving the highest ber yield (1.25
t.ha
-1
.year
-1
) and for producing the highest proportion of higher-
quality ber (2
nd
quality = 0.307 kg.pseudostem
-1
). Furthermore,
it generated the highest averages of suckers.plant
-1
(2.13) and
shoots.plant
-1
(7.25). Although the combination of Ecoabonaza with
Bayfolan promoted the greatest plant height (1.58 cm.month
-1
),
and Fertibanano with humic acids showed the highest values in
the number of leaves.plant
-1
(0.85) and pseudostem circumference
(2.59 cm), these treatments exhibited lower ber yield and a lower
proportion of second-quality ber. It was concluded that nutritional
management based on Fertibanano constitutes a nutritional strategy
to optimize the yield and quality of abacá ber.
This scientic publication in digital format is a continuation of the Printed Review: Legal Deposit pp 196802ZU42, ISSN 0378-7818.
Rev. Fac. Agron. (LUZ). 2025, 42(4): e254258 October-December. ISSN 2477-9409.
2-6 |
Resumen
La fertilización del abacá, mediante la aplicación de fertilizantes
orgánicos y químicos, inuye en la producción de bra, pero su efecto
combinado aún requiere evaluación. En esta investigación se evaluó
el efecto de diferentes fuentes de fertilizantes en la producción de
bra de abacá ‘Tangongón’, en Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas,
Ecuador; con el n de determinar la alternativa más eciente para
mejorar el rendimiento y calidad de la bra de abacá. Se utilizó un
diseño de bloques completos al azar con un arreglo factorial 2×3,
con cuatro repeticiones. Evaluándose dos fertilizantes edácos y
tres condiciones de fertilizantes foliares y se analizaron variables
de crecimiento, rendimiento y calidad de bra. Fertibanano sin
complementación foliar destacó por lograr el mayor rendimiento de
bra (1,25 t.ha
-1
.año
-1
), y por producir la mayor proporción de bra
de mejor calidad (2ª = 0,307 kg.pseudotallo
-1
). Además, generó los
mayores promedios de hijuelos.planta
-1
(2,13) y brotes.planta
-1
(7,25).
Aunque la combinación de Ecoabonaza con Bayfolan promovió la
mayor altura de planta (1,58 cm.mes
-1
), y Fertibanano con ácidos
húmicos presentó los mayores valores en número de hojas.planta
-1
(0,85) y perímetro del pseudotallo (2,59 cm), estos tratamientos
mostraron un menor rendimiento de bra y una menor proporción de
bra de 2ª calidad. Concluyéndose que el manejo nutricional basado
en Fertibanano constituye una estrategia nutricional para optimizar el
rendimiento y calidad de la bra de abacá.
Palabras clave: foliar, bra, hijuelo, pseudotallo, rendimiento.
Resumo
A fertilização do abacá, através da aplicação de fertilizantes
orgânicos e químicos, inuencia a produção de bra, mas o efeito
combinado de ambos ainda tem de ser avaliado. Esta investigação
avaliou o efeito de diferentes fontes de fertilizantes na produção de
bra da abacá ‘Tangongón’ em Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas,
Equador, de forma a determinar a alternativa mais eciente para
melhorar o rendimento e a qualidade da bra. Foi utilizado um
delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados completos com
um arranjo fatorial 2×3 e quatro repetições. Foram avaliadas duas
condições de fertilização do solo e três condições de fertilização
foliar, e foram analisadas as variáveis de crescimento, rendimento
e qualidade da bra. O Fertibanano sem suplementação foliar
destacou-se por conseguir o maior rendimento em bra (1,25 t.ha
-1
.
ano
-1
) e por produzir a maior proporção de bra de elevada qualidade
(2ª qualidade = 0,307 kg.pseudocaule
-1
). Gerou também as médias
mais elevadas de rebentos.planta
-1
(2,13) e de rebentos.planta
-1
(7,25). Embora a combinação de Ecoabonaza com Bayfolan tenha
promovido a maior altura da planta (1,58 cm/mês
-1
), e o Fertibanano
com ácidos húmicos tenha apresentado os valores mais elevados para
o número de folhas.planta
-1
(0,85) e circunferência do pseudocaule
(2,59 cm), estes tratamentos exibiram um menor rendimento em bra
e uma menor proporção de bra de 2ª qualidade. Concluiu-se que o
maneio nutricional baseado em Fertibanano constitui uma estratégia
nutricional para otimizar o rendimento e a qualidade da bra de abacá.
Palavras-chave: foliar, bra, rebento, pseudocaule, rendimento.
Introduction
Abacá (Musa textilis Née) is a herbaceous plant widely cultivated
in tropical regions and appreciated for the physical, chemical and
mechanical properties of the ber obtained from the leaf sheaths that
form the pseudostem, which is mainly composed of cellulose (63 - 68
%), hemicellulose (19 - 20 %), lignin (5 - 6 %) and lower proportions
of pectin, fats, waxes, and water-soluble compounds (Araya-Gutiérrez
et al., 2023).
The chemical composition of abacá ber gives it a high tensile
strength, superior to that of synthetic bers such as nylon, a remarkable
exural strength equivalent to glass ber, and an exceptional ability
to withstand adverse conditions, including exposure to salt water.
These qualities position abacá as an ideal raw material for industrial
and commercial applications, where its adaptability represents a
renewable alternative to contribute to a more sustainable and ecient
future (Barbosa et al., 2023).
The main use of abacá ber is the manufacture of technical papers
and ropes of great strength and durability, especially those intended
for maritime uses. In the paper industry, due to its natural whiteness,
which reduces the need for chemical bleaching, it is used for the
production of paper money, tea lters, food wrappers, cigarette paper,
and other technical papers (FAO, 2010). Currently, abacá ber is
also used in the textile industry to produce fabrics, as well as in the
automotive sector as an alternative to berglass to create lightweight
parts (Ullah et al., 2025; Unal et al., 2020).
Ecuador is the second largest producer of abacá, with an annual
production of approximately 35,000 t and a market share of 14.59 %
(Yap et al., 2024). A large part of the volume produced is destined
for export, with the Philippines and the United Kingdom being the
main destinations. In 2023, the value of these exports generated 5,534
million USD, consolidating abacá ber as an important source of
income for the country (Central Bank of Ecuador, 2023).
In this context, abacá production, as in other crops, depends largely
on appropriate agronomic practices; among which nutrition occupies
a decisive place, since the plant requires a balanced supply of nutrients
(nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) to optimize vegetative growth,
plant health, and ber yield (Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries
Standards [BAFS], 2019). Despite this, nutritional deciencies are
common in production systems, which is why fertilizers adapted to
the specic needs of the crop are applied.
According to previous reports, chemical fertilization can improve
ber yield by up to 41 % (Bande et al., 2013), promoting both root
development and aerial plant growth (Ramos et al., 2022), as well as
higher dry matter yield (Castro & Chávez et al., 2022). On the other
hand, organic fertilization favors the formation of taller pseudostems
with a larger diameter (Macay-Anchundia et al., 2025; Bongoloan &
Dinopol, 2016), increases the number and size of functional leaves,
and improves the survival rate of plants (Mangmang & Cozo, 2021).
In addition, it has been observed that organic fertilization is related
to a higher number of suckers per plant (Jácome Gómez et al., 2025).
Consequently, it has been suggested that the combination of
organic and inorganic fertilizers could cause abacá to grow healthy
and produce superior quality ber (BAFS, 2019). However,
the synergistic eects of the combination of fertilizers and the
simultaneous application of the methods in abacá production are still
limited, making it dicult to understand how these strategies could
inuence ber yield, quality, and eciency.
This scientic publication in digital format is a continuation of the Printed Review: Legal Deposit pp 196802ZU42, ISSN 0378-7818.
Jácome et al. Rev. Fac. Agron. (LUZ). 2025, 42(4): e254258
3-6 |
Table 2. Nutritional requirements of the abacá crop in production
Age
kg.ha
-1
N P K Ca Mg S
> 500
days
28.35 6.92 90.5 21.08 5.09 3.56
g.ha
-1
Fe Cu Zn Mn B
1740 16 86 430 86
Note: Arias et al. (2024). Technical Manual for the Sustainable Production of abacá (Musa
textilis Née) in Costa Rica. PROCOMER
The chemical soil fertilizer (Fertibanano) was applied in doses
of 0.23 kg.plant
-1
, while the organic soil fertilizer (Ecoabonaza) was
applied in doses of 2.25 kg.plant
-1
. Both were applied broadcast (or
uniformly spread) on the crown of the most developed sucker of the
banana tree. On the other hand, chemical (Bayfolan) and organic
(Humina with humic acids) foliar fertilizers were applied by spraying
to the foliage using a motor pump (Nuvola brand), on four occasions.
The rst application was made at the beginning of the trial, and the
subsequent applications were made every 15 days using doses of 1
L.ha
-1
and 2 L.ha
-1
, respectively.
Phytosanitary control was carried out by applying Benfuracarb
(40 %) to control nematodes. During the experimental period, no
visible diseases were recorded in the crop.
Study variables
Sixteen (16) abacá plants were evaluated per treatment. The
development variables were measured at 60 and 120 days after
fertilizer application, and included:
Plant height: it was measured from the base of the pseudostem, at
ground level, to the insertion point of the highest leaf corresponding
to the last unfolded leaf, using a exometer. In each plot, three
measurements were made, expressing the results in centimeters.
Number of leaves: it was determined by counting the fully
unfolded leaves of the most developed sucker of each plant.
Number of suckers: it was obtained by counting vegetative
shoots taller than 20 cm and weighing more than 400 g, taking three
samples per plot.
Number of shoots: corresponding to the initial vegetative
shoots, less than 20 cm and weighing less than 400 g, which were
dierentiated from the suckers.
Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the
production of abacá ber (Musa textilis) ‘Tangongón’, using dierent
types of fertilizers (soil and foliar), in Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas,
Ecuador, to determine the most ecient alternative to improve the
yield and quality of the crop ber.
Materials and methods
Study area
The experiment was carried out between April and July 2024 at
the Mishili Experimental Farm, located in La Aurora sector, Santo
Domingo Canton, Province of Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas,
Ecuador. The geographical coordinates of the site are 00°30’08’’
S and 79°20’56’’ W, at an altitude of 488 meters above sea level.
The study area is located in a tropical rainy zone, with annual
average temperatures of 24.6 ºC, average relative humidity of 88
%, and precipitation of 2,945 mm.year
-1
. During the period of the
experiment, an accumulated precipitation of 1,433 mm was recorded,
with a monthly average of 358.51 mm, corresponding to the rainy
season (INAMHI, 2024).
The soil analysis of the crop area was carried out in the Agrolab
laboratory, and the results are presented in Table 1.
Experimental design
A randomized complete block experimental design was used,
with a factorial arrangement of 2 x 3 (two sources of soil fertilizers ×
three foliar fertilization conditions), with four replications, forming
a total of 24 experimental units, each of 35 m
2
. The soil fertilizers
corresponded to a chemical product (Fertibanano 16-3-30-3) and an
organic product (Ecoabonaza 3-2-4-1), while the foliar fertilizers
included a chemical product (Bayfolan 9-9-7) and an organic product
(Humina with humic acids).
Experiment management
The trial was carried out in an established crop of abacá (Musa
textilis), Tangongón variety, in the production stage (45 months
old), with a planting density of 1,111 plants.ha
-1
(3 × 3 m) and was
conducted under rainfed conditions. Prior to the application of the
treatments, crop maintenance tasks were carried out, including weed
control, crown management, and defoliation. Subsequently, fertilizers
were applied in accordance with the recommendations of the soil
chemical analysis (Table 1) and based on the nutritional requirements
of the crop in production, as presented in Table 2.
Table 1. Soil characteristics of the research area
Parameter Value Description Parameter Value Description
pH 5.78 Acid Med. Meq.100 g
-1
Electric conductivity 0.06 dS.m
-1
Non-saline K 0.10 Low
Org. matter 4.91% Medium CA 3.00 Low
ppm Mg 0.66 Low
N 23.21 Low Ca/Mg 4.55 Optimal
P 5.13 Low Mg/K 6.60 Optimal
S 2.23 Low (Ca+Mg)/K 36.60 Optimal
Cu 4.30 High Texture % Sandy Loam
B 0.25 Medium Sand 62
Fe 97.20 High Silt 23
Zn 2.70 Low Clay 15
Mn 2.20 Low
This scientic publication in digital format is a continuation of the Printed Review: Legal Deposit pp 196802ZU42, ISSN 0378-7818.
Rev. Fac. Agron. (LUZ). 2025, 42(4): e254258 October-December. ISSN 2477-9409.
4-6 |
Perimeter of the pseudostem: it was measured with a tape
measure at two points: 10 cm from the ground and at the top where
the leaves emerge; the values obtained were expressed in centimeters.
The production variables were recorded at the end of the
experiment, at 120 days, in a crop with 49 months of age, corresponding
to the abacá production stage. This time coincided with the usual
harvest cycle, which takes place three to four times a year. Included:
Pseudostem weight: it was determined by the fresh weighing of
the harvested pseudostems, using a digital scale with a capacity of
100 kg. The values were expressed in kilograms per plant (kg.plant
-1
).
For this measurement, the pseudostems were cut at the base with a
banana digging spade (HANSA brand).
Fresh ber: it was obtained using a shredding machine
(AGRALE brand), which operates with a belt motor and a sharp blade
responsible for detaching the bers of material
removed from the
pseudostem sheaths.
The ber obtained
was visually classied according to color and
level of cleanliness, following the criteria proposed by Frank (2005):
the second category corresponded to the ber of highest quality (white
with a high-gloss yellow hue); the third, to medium quality (white
with bright yellow hue); the fourth, to white bers with a yellow or
tanned hue of subtle shine; and the fth, to those of lowest quality
(white with yellow or tanned tones and undened shine).
Subsequently, the ber was dehydrated in the environment for
approximately 24 hours, until it reached a moisture content close
to 15 %, suitable for storage and subsequent industrial processing.
Finally, the weight of dry ber per pseudostem (expressed in kg) was
determined, and the dry ber yield was calculated from the average
number of pseudostems harvested per plant and its ber weight,
expressing the result in tons per hectare per year (t.ha
-1
.year
-1
).
Statistical analysis
An analysis of variance was performed using the Generalized
Linear Model (GLM) from the free version of InfoStat software
(National University of Córdoba, version 2020). When the study
factors showed signicant eects, Tukey’s test was used with a
signicance level of 5 % for the comparison of means.
Results and discussion
Development variables
The results obtained on the monthly increase in the development
variables show that the combination of soil and foliar fertilizers
dierentially inuences each variable evaluated (Table 3). Regarding
plant height, the most eective interaction was the application
of Ecoabonaza with Bayfolan (E
2
F
1
), reaching an increase of 1.58
cm.month
-1
, signicantly higher than the other treatments (p= 0.0009).
On the contrary, the lowest growth was observed in Ecoabonaza
without foliar fertilization (E
2
F
0
).
The variables: number of leaves.plant
-1
, suckers.plant
-1
, shoots.
plant
-
1, and pseudostem diameter did not present signicant
dierences (p>0.05). However, it was observed that the application
of Fertibanano with Humina (E
1
F
2
) presented the highest values in the
number of leaves.plant
-1
(0.85) and the diameter of the pseudostem
(2.59 cm). On the other hand, the application of Fertibanano without
foliar fertilization (E
1
F
0
) reached the best averages in the emission of
suckers.plant
-1
(2.13) and shoots.plant
-1
(7.25) of abacá.
The results obtained in height exceed those reported by Castro
and Chávez (2022), who recorded a signicant increase of 1.22
cm.month
-1
with the application of foliar fertilizers combined with
organic and inorganic components, compared to the treatment without
fertilization, which did not exceed 0.84 cm.month
-1
.
The highest growth in height observed in the present study could
be attributed to the synergistic eect between Ecoabonaza + Bayfolan
(E
2
F
1
), which optimizes the absorption and use of nutrients at both root
and leaf levels. Ecoabonaza supplies nutrients gradually, improving
soil fertility and the sustained nutrient availability in the rhizosphere
(Wei et al., 2024). The foliar application with Bayfolan complements
this action by providing nitrogen and potassium in easily assimilated
forms, in addition to chelated micronutrients (B, Fe, Mn, Mo) that
stimulate cell elongation, protein synthesis, and the production of
phytohormones responsible for the elongation of meristematic tissues
(Pandey, 2018).
Regarding leaf development and pseudostem thickening, the
highest values observed in the treatment of Fertibanano + Humina
(E
1
F
2
) contrast with those reported by Bravo et al. (2023), who
recorded a number of leaves per plant of 0.28 with chicken manure,
and 0.14 with pig manure, as well as pseudostem diameters of 2.15
cm and 1.76 cm, respectively. Similarly, Macay-Anchundia et al.
(2025) obtained an average diameter of 0.04 cm when Fertibanano
was applied as an independent treatment. The dierences suggest
that the combination of Fertibanano with humic acids (E
1
F
2
) was
more ecient in stimulating vegetative development, compared to
conventional fertilizers of animal origin or with the exclusive use of
Fertibanano.
This behavior could be attributed to the biostimulant action
of humic acids, which enhance the absorption of soil nutrients,
particularly potassium, that favors cell turgor and strengthens cell
walls, which physiologically translates into greater thickening of the
pseudostem (Karpinets & Greenwood, 2024).
Table 3. Results of the monthly increase in development variables.
Treatments
Plant height
(cm)
N° leaves/plant N° suckers/plant N° shoots/plant Pseudostem Diameter (cm)
T1 Fertibanano
Without
foliar fert.
0.68 bc 0.34 2.13 7.25 2.00
T2 Fertibanano Bayfolan 1.02 ab 0.43 0.90 4.52 1.86
T3 Fertibanano Humina 0.94 b 0.85 1.07 1.28 2.59
T4 Ecoabonaza
Without
foliar fert.
0.34 c 0.38 0.60 1.08 1.80
T5 Ecoabonaza Bayfolan 1.58 a 0.34 0.81 1.37 1.54
T6 Ecoabonaza Humina 1.24 a 0.34 0.60 3.50 2.41
C.V. % 18.49 16.86 19.14 15.64 16.49
Fertilizers x Foliar fert. 0.0009 ** 0.6151 ns 0.0786 ns 0.2700 ns 0.7615 ns
Note: Means within each column with dierent letters show statistical dierences according to Tukey’s test at 5 %. NS= Not signicant at 5 % error probability level; *= Signicant at 5 %; **=
Signicant at 1 %.
This scientic publication in digital format is a continuation of the Printed Review: Legal Deposit pp 196802ZU42, ISSN 0378-7818.
Jácome et al. Rev. Fac. Agron. (LUZ). 2025, 42(4): e254258
5-6 |
In addition, humic acids increase the permeability of cell
membranes and enhance enzymatic activity, which stimulates
cell expansion and structural vigor of the plant (Ampong et al.,
2023; Nardi et al., 2021). However, in vegetative propagation,
Fertibanano presented a more favorable behavior, regardless of foliar
application. In this case, the high potassium content (30 %) seems
to be the determining factor, since it participates in the absorption
and transport of nutrients, as well as in the enzymatic activation
that stimulates the formation of new shoots or suckers (Sardans &
Peñuelas, 2021). The absence of foliar treatment suggests that, when
biostimulants such as humic acids are applied, the plant redirects its
resources towards structural growth (leaves and stems) rather than
vegetative reproduction. Jácome-Gómez et al. (2025) also observed
in abacá (Musa textilis Bungalanón) that the highest number of shoots
per plant (2.56) was obtained with the application of chemical soil
fertilizers without the application of complementary fertilization;
although the number of suckers was lower, probably due to factors
such as fertility, agronomic management, and environmental
conditions, these results conrm that Fertibanano soil fertilization
favors vegetative propagation.
Production variables of abacá “Tangongón” ber.
The results of the production variables of abacá ber (Table
4) show that the treatments evaluated did not generate signicant
dierences between them, both at the level of interaction and individual
factors (p>0.05). However, the application with Fertibanano without
foliar fertilizer (E
1
F
0
) showed a tendency to increase all production
variables, reaching average ber yields of 1.25 t.ha
-1
.year
-1
. In
contrast, Ecoabonaza without fertilization (E
2
F
0
) presented the lowest
ber yield (0.60 t.ha
-1
.year
-1
).
Under the conditions evaluated, the treatment with the highest
vegetative development did not correspond to the one with the highest
ber yield, which suggests that abacá productivity depends more on the
internal dynamics of brous tissue formation than on external growth.
In abacá, ber is formed primarily from the deposition of cellulose
and lignin in the vascular tissues of the pseudostem. When the plant
receives balanced nutrition, carbohydrates and nutrients derived from
photosynthesis can be used for ber synthesis and strengthening
(Araya-Gutiérrez et al., 2023). This explains why the application of
Fertibanano without foliar fertilizer (E
1
F
0
) showed the highest yield
without necessarily requiring a larger absolute plant size.
Similar results were reported by Jácome-Gómez et al. (2025),
who observed high ber yields (1.19 t.ha
-1
.year
-1
) under a nutritional
scheme based on soil fertilization (Fertibanano), which reinforces the
eectiveness of management in the optimization of photosynthetic
metabolism and the formation of supporting tissues.
Consequently, the high yield observed in this study reects that,
in abacá, the density and quality of the pseudostem biomass may
be more decisive for ber production. It is possible that treatments
with combined Fertibanano (T2 and T3) could have experienced an
antagonistic physiological eect, diverting energy towards vegetative
growth without improving ber weight.
Fiber yield by quality grades
Table 5 shows variations in the eect of fertilizers on ber yield by
quality grade, although the dierences were not signicant (p>0.05).
In all treatments, the greatest weight was concentrated in the 4
th
and 2
nd
class, with values between 0.24 and 0.36 kg.pseudostem
-1
,
while the ber of 5
th
class had the lowest weights, close to 0.21 -
0.26 kg.pseudostem
-1
. The values correspond to the ber visually
determined prior to its commercialization, with Fertibanano without
foliar application (T1: E
1
F
0
) being the application that produced
the highest proportion of ber of better quality (2
nd
= 0.307
kg.pseudostem
-1
).
Fiber yield by quality grades contrasts with the ndings reported
by Bravo et al. (2023), who in their research, the treatment that
incorporated pig manure corresponding to the one with the best total
yield showed a higher proportion of ber in intermediate grades (3
rd
= 0.645 and 4
th
= 0.282) with a low proportion of 2
nd
quality ber
(0.230); which suggests that, unlike other managements, the balanced
nutrition provided by Fertibanano allowed the plant to prioritize the
formation of ner and whiter internal bers, located in the leaves near
the center of the pseudostem, responsible for the grade 2 characteristics
according to the national classication (Frank, 2005). The dierence
indicates that, despite obtaining comparable total yields, the type of
fertilization and the nutritional balance exert a greater eect on the
distribution of ber according to its position in the pseudostem and
its neness.
From an agricultural practice perspective, the ndings in this
study show that soil fertilization with Fertibanano can be a strategy to
maximize the yield and quality of abacá Tangongón ber.
Table 4. Results of abacá ber production variables.
Treatments
Pseudostem weight
(kg)
Fresh ber / Pseudostem
(kg)
Dry ber /Pseudostem
(kg)
Fiber yield (t.ha
-1
.year
-1)
T1 Fertibanano
Without foliar
fertilization
62.84 1.74 1.22 1.25
T2 Fertibanano Bayfolan 50.80 1.41 0.99 0.75
T3 Fertibanano Humina 61.08 1.69 1.19 0.92
T4 Ecoabonaza
Without foliar ferti-
lization
55.68 1.54 1.08 0.60
T5 Ecoabonaza Bayfolan 57.50 1.59 1.12 0.80
T5 Ecoabonaza Humina 57.16 1.58 1.11 0.90
C.V. % 19.49 19.47 19.39 26.60
Fertilizers vs Foliars 0.8894 ns 0.8853 ns 0.8841 ns 0.3222 ns
Note: NS = Not signicant at 5% probability of error; * = Signicant at 5%; ** = Signicant at 1%.
This scientic publication in digital format is a continuation of the Printed Review: Legal Deposit pp 196802ZU42, ISSN 0378-7818.
Rev. Fac. Agron. (LUZ). 2025, 42(4): e254258 October-December. ISSN 2477-9409.
6-6 |
Table 5. Fiber yield by quality grade.
Treatments
Fiber weight in kg.pesudostem
-1
2
nd
3
rd
4
th
5
th
Total
T1 Fertibanano
Without foliar
fertilization
0.307 0.298 0.358 0.257
1.220
T2 Fertibanano Bayfolan 0.248 0.241 0.289 0.208
0.986
T3 Fertibanano Humina 0.298 0.290 0.348 0.250
1.186
T4 Ecoabonaza
Without foliar
fertilization
0.272 0.264 0.317 0.228
1.081
T5 Ecoabonaza Bayfolan 0.281 0.273 0.328 0.235
1.116
T6 Ecoabonaza Humina 0.279 0.271 0.326 0.234
1.110
From a theoretical perspective, the idea that eciency in the
allocation of resources within the plant is a priority for productivity
and ber quality, beyond absolute vegetative growth, is reinforced.
However, the study presents methodological limitations that must be
considered. First, the duration of the trial restricts the generalization
of the results; In addition, soil and climatic variables or physiological
parameters that could help to explain the observed eects more
accurately were not evaluated, therefore, longitudinal and multisite
studies are recommended to validate and expand the evidence
obtained.
Conclusions
The evaluation of dierent sources of soil and foliar fertilizers
on the production of abacá ber, Tangongón variety, determined that
the most ecient treatment was the application of Fertibanano as a
soil fertilizer without foliar supplementation. This treatment stood
out for achieving the highest ber yield, with 1.25 t.ha
-1
.year
-1
, and
for producing the highest proportion of ber of better quality (2
nd
= 0.307 kg.pseudostem
-1
). In addition, this alternative favored the
vegetative propagation of the crop, generating the highest averages
of suckers (2.13 suckers.plant
-1
) and shoots per plant (7.25 shoots.
plant
-1
). Although the combination of Ecoabonaza with Bayfolan
promoted the highest plant height (1.58 cm.month
-1
), and Fertibanano
with humic acids (E
1
F
2
) presented the highest values in the number
of leaves.plant
-1
(0.85) and the pseudostem diameter (2.59 cm),
these treatments showed a lower ber yield and a lower proportion
of second-class ber. Therefore, it is concluded that, among the
alternatives evaluated, nutritional management based on Fertibanano
constitutes a nutritional strategy to optimize crop yield and abacá
ber quality.
Literature cited
Ampong, K., Thilakaranthna, M. S., & Gorim, L. Y. (2022). Understanding the
role of humic acids on crop performance and soil health. Frontiers in
Agronomy, 4, 848621. https://doi.org/10.3389/fagro.2022.848621
Araya-Gutiérrez, D., Monge, G. G., Jiménez-Quesada, K., Arias-Aguilar, D., &
Cordero, R. Q. (2023). Abaca: a general review on its characteristics,
productivity, and market in the world. Revista Facultad Nacional de
Agronomía Medellín, 76(1), 10263-10273. https://doi.org/10.15446/
rfnam.v76n1.101710
Arias Aguilar, D., Araya Salas, M., Esquivel Segura, E. & Jiménez Montero, M.
(2024). Manual Técnico para la producción sostenible de abacá (Musa
textilis Née) en Costa Rica. PROCOMER
Banco Central del Ecuador. (2023). Información Estadística Mensual: Nº 2054.
Dirección Nacional de Síntesis Macroeconómica. Recuperado de https://
repositorio.bce.ec/handle/32000/2322
Bande, M. M., Grenz, J., Asio, V. B., & Sauerborn, J. (2013). Fiber yield and
quality of abaca (Musa textilis var. Laylay) grown under dierent shade
conditions, water, and nutrient management. Industrial Crops and
Products, 42, 70-77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2012.05.009
Barbosa, C. F. C., Asunto, J. C., Koh, R. B. L., Santos, D. M. C., Zhang, D., Cao,
E. P., & Galvez, L. C. (2023). Genome-wide SNP and indel discovery in
Abaca (Musa textilis Née) and among other Musa spp. for Abaca genetic
resources management. Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 45(7),
5776-5797. https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45070365
Bongoloan Jr, R., & Dinopol, E. (2016). Response of Abaca (Musa textilis N.)
to Vermicast Application. Journal on Agro-industrial Research and
Development, 1(1), 7-10. https://journal.asscat.edu.ph/index.php/jaird/
article/view/5
Bravo, S., Pazmiño, J. y Jácome, L. (2023). Efecto de abonos orgánicos en
el rendimiento en abacá (Musa textilis) variedad Tangongón en tres
densidades de siembra. Boletín Cientíco Ideas y Voces, 3(3), 1361-1372.
https://ciciap.org/ideasvoces/index.php/BCIV/article/view/105/123
Castro, R. C. T. y Chávez, J. P. A. (2022). Evaluación de la fertilización inyectada
en el cultivo de abacá (Musa textilis). Revista de Investigación Cientíca
TSE DE, 5(3), 1-14. https://www.revista.tsachila.edu.ec/index.php/
TSEDE/article/view/133
Franck, R. R. (Ed.). (2005). Bast and other plant bres (Vol. 39). Crc Press.
Instituto Nacional de Meteorología e Hidrología (INAMHI). (2024). Boletín N°
07, Informes meteorológicos anuales de temperatura y precipitación.
https://servicios.inamhi.gob.ec/clima1/
Jácome Gómez, L. R., Álava Rosado, A. M., y Arellano Cisneros, C. L. (2025).
Efecto de la fertilización en la producción de abacá (Musa textilis
Bungalanón). Boletín Cientíco Ideas Y Voces, 5(2), 159 – 170. https://
doi.org/10.60100/bciv.v5i2.219
Karpinets, T. V., & Greenwood, D. J. (2024). Potassium dynamics. In Handbook
of Processes and Modeling in the Soil-Plant System (pp. 525-559). CRC
Press.
Macay-Anchundia, M. Ángel, Cobeña Loor, N. V., Balcázar Almeida, M. I.,
Ponce Hidalgo, E. J., & Mendoza Márquez, P. J. (2025). Efecto del
fertilizante mineral en el rendimiento y calidad de la producción de Musa
textilis. Revista Cientíca Multidisciplinar G-nerando, 6(1) 936 – 946.
https://doi.org/10.60100/rcmg.v6i1.445
Mangmang, M., & Cozo, K. (2021). Growth response of abaca (Musa textilis Nee)
in abandoned mine soil amended with oil palm residues. Southeastern
Philippines Journal of Research and Development, 26(2), 23-46. https://
doi.org/10.53899/spjrd.v26i2.158
Nardi, S., Schiavon, M., & Francioso, O. (2021). Chemical structure and bio-
logical activity of humic substances dene their role as plant growth
promoters. Molecules, 26(8), 2256. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecu-
les26082256
Organización de las Naciones Unidas para la Alimentación y la Agricultura (FAO).
(2004). Perspectivas a plazo medio de los productos básicos agrícolas:
Proyecciones al año 2010. Food & Agriculture Org. https://www.fao.
org/4/y5143s/y5143s00.htm#Contents
Pandey, N. (2018). Role of plant nutrients in plant growth and physiology. In Plant
nutrients and abiotic stress tolerance (pp. 51-93). Singapore: Springer
Singapore.
Philippine Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS). (2019). Non-
food crops – Abaca – Code of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). Phil-
ippine National Standard PNS/BAFS 266:2019. https://philda.da.gov.
ph/images/Publications/PNS/PNS-Non-food-Abaca-GAP.pdf
Ramos, C. A., Saludo, K. E., & Corpuz, O. S. (2022). Growth Increment of Tis-
sue Cultured Abaca Seedlings Applied with Conventional Fertilizer
and Biostimulant. Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Re-
search, 9(4), 37-48. https://doi.org/10.9734/ajahr/2022/v9i430155
Sardans, J., & Peñuelas, J. (2021). Potassium control of plant functions: Eco-
logical and agricultural implications. Plants, 10(2), 419. https://doi.
org/10.3390/plants10020419
Ullah, S., Akhter, Z., Palevicius, A., & Janusas, G. (2025). Review: Natural -
ber-based biocomposites for potential advanced automotive applica-
tions. Journal of Engineered Fibers and Fabrics, 20, 1-25. https://doi.
org/10.1177/15589250241311468
Unal, F., Avinc, O., & Yavas, A. (2020). Sustainable textile designs made from
renewable, biodegradable sustainable natural abaca bers. In Sustain-
ability in the Textile and Apparel Industries: Sustainable Textiles, Cloth-
ing Design and Repurposing (pp. 1-30). Cham: Springer International
Publishing.
Wei, X., Xie, B., Wan, C., Song, R., Zhong, W., Xin, S., & Song, K. (2024). En-
hancing soil health and plant growth through microbial fertilizers:
Mechanisms, benets, and sustainable agricultural practices. Agro-
nomy, 14(3), 609. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy14030609
Yap, K. L. P., Casinillo, L. F., Bales, M. C., & Baliña, F. T. (2024). Characteriz-
ing the prole and functions of abaca industry stakeholders: The case
of the Philippines. Journal of Management, Economics, & Industrial
Organization (JOMEINO), 8(2) 42-64. http://doi.org/10.31039/jomei-
no.2024.8.2.3
