Non-microbiological shelf life of two plantain (Musa paradisiaca) cultivars

Abstract

Research conducted at the USDA Tropical Agricultural Research Station evaluated the agronomic potential of Maiden plantain, assessing the non-microbiological shelf life of Maiden and Maricongo cultivars to determine whether Maiden would be suitable to replace or supplement Maricongo. Data showed that Maiden averaged 26.2 days to reach maturity stage 7, while Maricongo required 22.7 days. However, both cultivars took around 40 days to reach senescence. In other parameters evaluated, with few exceptions, no significant differences (P>0.05) were found between Maiden and Maricongo.Data gathered in this study suggest that Maiden could be an adequate replacement or supplement to Maricongo.