Introduction. To compare the mineral nutrition of organically and normally grown banana
plants, observations were made on growth and yield of organic banana plants, at the Canary Islands. The
data were then discussed opposite the results previously reported for conventional plantations.
Materials and methods. Growth parameters (plant height, leaf emission rate, pseudostem
circumference) and yield parameters (bunch weight, number of hands, finger grade, etc.) were measured
during ten months on an organically grown banana plantation of Dwarf Cavendish cv. Leaf N, P, K, Ca, Mg,
Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn contents were also assessed. Results and discussion. Leaf emission rates showed
higher values in late spring and early summer (0.099-0.109 leaf$\cdot$d-1), while pseudostem
circumference grew more in late spring (0.238 cm$\cdot$d-1) than in summer. In August, pseudostem
circumference decreased dramatically, probably because the plants with a larger circumference had flowered
before that month and could not be measured. Bunches gave good yields for the zone (43.59 kg on average)
and had a high mean number of hands (12.79). Number of fingers of the second upper hand (25.63), their
grade (37.63 cm), length (23.50 cm) and weight (165.19 g) ranged from normal to high. Month of harvesting
influenced yield and quality of the fruits. Leaf content of N, P, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn fell within the
normal range related to the conventionally grown banana plants. Potassium foliar content showed low levels
but not deficiencies, whereas Ca leaf concentrations were high but not excessive. No relationship was
found among leaf nutrient levels and growth, yield and fruit quality parameters.