The aim of this study was to evaluate the yield and the cycle of banana trees treated with paclobutrazol (PBZ). We tested five doses of PBZ (0.0; 0.5; 1.0; 1.5 and 2.0 g plant-1), applied on the soil around 'Prata Anã' and 'FHIA-01' banana trees four months after planting. Data were obtained during the first cicle and the bunchs were harvested when yellow color was observed on the peel of the first fruits. The cicle time was of 507 days, not differing in terms of doses and cultivars. The use of PBZ reduced pseudostem length. Increasing of PBZ doses increased the number of active leaves at inflorescence emission period of 'Prata Anã', but the effects on bunch were harmful, with reduction of the number of fruits per bunch, of commercial length and diameter of the fruits, which caused reduction of bunch weight and of productivity. In FHIA-01 cultivar, PBZ applied via soil reduced pseudostem length and improved bunch sustentation, not influencing crop productivity. The optimal dose of PBZ on 'FHIA-01' banana tree is around 1,0 g plant-1. For the 'Prata Anã' is not recommended the use of PBZ.
Musa spp.; growth regulator; fruit crop
