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Project Design Locations • University of Florida-Jay • University of Florida-Gainesville • Louisiana State University-Baton Rouge • Texas A&M University-Overton Trial Period Summer 2004 to Summer 2006 Roles of the Researchers • Conduct subjective visual evaluation of banana foliage quality following establishment every three months (0 to 5 scale, 0=poor, 5=excellent). • Measure growth (total height, number of leaves, and stem diameter) of plants every three months. • Develop publications describing ornamental bananas in national and regional trade magazines. • Produce a scientifically-based trial report for HortTechnology. Irrigation As needed, drip tape will be established with tap water application. Fertility Slow release fertilizer incorporated into the soil with bi-annual topdressing. Photos Digital images will be provided to AgriStarts highlighting cultivar performance over the 3 year period. Experimental Design • Randomized complete-block design with 3 plants per block and 3 blocks per cultivar with 6 cultivars (2 dwarf, 2 moderate, 2 vigorous) = 54 plants • About 3500 to 4000 sq ft of land for trial area; 6 cultivars at 3 blocks with 3 reps=18 blocks • 3' bed width and a grass plot between rows of 6'; 3' within row spacing between reps and blocks • 54' length-3 rows with a plot width of 33' assuming a buffer of 6' on either side. Rating System 0 = Plant has died. 1 = Poor performance, either through pest problems or lack of vigor, and poor growth habit. 2 = Plant is green, growing, but with low color or display. 3 = Plants begin to be of interest, growth and foliage are strong, growth habit is attractive. 4 = A strong display of plant architecture and a good growth habit, a gardener would be pleased to have plants of this quality in the landscape. 5 = Plant is at the top of its performance, growth is peak, and without flaws.