Soil Requirement:

Abaca grows in clay loam and sandy clay loam types of soil, rich in organic matter, loose, friable and well-drained. The water table is preferably 80 cm with 60%-80% saturation. the soil has pH level of 6.0-7.0 and elevation of less than 1,000 m above sea level.

Climatic Requirement:

The optimum temperature requirement for abaca has not been fully determined, but it grows in areas with temperature of 20°C during cool months and 25°C during warm months. A relative humidity of 78% to 85% and evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year are conditions conducive to good growth.

Selection and establishment of abaca nursery:

• Shade-tolerant, banana-shaped plant with up to 8 m height, unequal leaf base and smaller and more pointed leaves than other banana species;

• Pseudostem composed of about 12-13 leaf sheaths;

• Average diameter of pseudostem about 15/20 cm at base mostly green, sometime irregularly streaked deep brown, red, purple or almost black towards the base;

• Fruits, small bearing many seeds;

• More than 600 varieties recorded, about 20 varieties permanently cultivated;

• Fiber length up to 3 meter;

• Matures from 595-720 days from planting;

Plant Description:

Rate of Fertilization:

• Two (2) bags Ammonium sulfate at the time of planting.

• Four (4) bags Ammonium sulfate eight (8) months after planting.

• Four (4) bags complete fertilizer 21 months after planting.

• For established plantain, apply complete Fertilization once, before or after the rainy season, at the rate of 1/4 kg per clump/hill or 12 bags/hertare per year.