“DC 52” (SEMI-DWARF CAVENDISH SELECTION) – code 52/3

Main ratoon characteristics of DC 52 in relation to standard Grand Nain and Williams in South Africa. (see notes)

Morphological Characteristics "DC 52 "
(mean of 2 ratoons) 		Grand Nain
(mean of 2 ratoons) 		Williams
(mean of 2 ratoons)
Plant height (m) 2.85 3.30 3.40
Bunch Mass (kg) 35.0 43.0 40.5
Hands / bunch 12.0 12.5 12.8
Average cycle time (mths) 12.6 12.6 13.4
Plant density = 1666 plants/ha
Main characteristics of “DC 525”
  1. Very short selection (14% shorter than standard Grand Nain).
  2. The DC 52 selection is 11% taller than standard Dwarf Cavendish which is 2.57m (for mean of 2 ratoon cycles).
  3. The selection is regarded as a “semi-dwarf” being midway between normal Dwarf Cavendish and Chinese Cavendish in height.
  4. Has a very sturdy, thick pseudostem which may not need propping.
  5. Productivity is reasonable for a semi-dwarf (higher than Dwarf Cavendish) but bunches cannot compare with Chinese Cavendish or Grand Nain in size.
  6. Bunch is more cylindrical than is usual for Dwarf Cavendish, thus bottom hands are bigger.
  7. Cycle time about 2 weeks shorter than standard Grand Nain due to the smaller stature of DC 52.
  8. A good choice for very windy conditions and for centre pivot irrigation systems.
  9. A bit more susceptible to choke throat than Grand Nain during winter flower emergence, although more tolerant than normal Dwarf Cavendish.
  10. The selection was made as a compromise between the old Dwarf Cavendish and Chinese Cavendish. However, the yield/ha/annum is below that of Chinese Cav.
  11. Trials in the tropics (Costa Rica and Cameroon) showed that DC 52 could not be chosen as a high yielder, but that it had practical advantages related to its height.
NOTES:
• Standard Grand Nain and Williams data were obtained from a long term cultivar trial using unimproved sucker planting material at a Government Research Station (Kiepersol), under optimal growth and management conditions. Data are thus not strictly comparable (only indicative).
     
• The main characteristics described are extrapolated from several trial sites in local RSA conditions. Results from tropical trials show similar results (shorter plant, lower yields/ha and reduced first grade packout, compared to taller selections).