Question

What is the maturity index for harvesting Banana?

• A. Flowering stage
• B. Fruit color change
• C. Angularity of fingers
• D. Leaf fall

Hint:

Remember: Banana maturity = Rounded fingers (loss of angularity).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Maturity indices are indicators used to determine the proper time for harvesting fruits to ensure quality and shelf life.
Step 1: Understanding banana maturity.
Bananas are harvested at the mature green stage before ripening begins.
Step 2: Key indicator.
The angularity (sharp edges) of banana fingers reduces as the fruit matures, becoming more rounded.
Step 3: Evaluating the options.

• Flowering stage $\rightarrow$ Too early (incorrect)
• Fruit color change $\rightarrow$ Occurs during ripening (incorrect)
• Angularity of fingers $\rightarrow$ Reliable maturity index (correct)
• Leaf fall $\rightarrow$ Not a maturity indicator (incorrect)

Step 4: Additional insight.
Other indices include fruit size, pulp-to-peel ratio, and days from flowering, but angularity is the most commonly used field indicator.
Step 5: Conclusion.
Thus, the maturity index for harvesting banana is the angularity of fingers.