The response of the plant to the environment

Abstract

In this chapter we deal with the response of the banana plant to changes in the environment. These changes occur over different time scales, from hour to hour, day to day, month to month and from year to year. The responses we observe are linked to these time scales and the level of organization in the plant, whether it be in cells, organs, whole plants or at the plantation level. I have concentrated on the response of the whole plant as this is of most interest to producers, and largely researchers, at least to date. However, the responses we observe are the integration of numerous processes operating over various time periods. I have chosen to use mathematical forms of expressing ideas. I believe this to be important because both growers and researchers deal with quantitative data. For example we want to know not only whether a response will occur but how big that response will be. Then we can assess the significance of the plant’s response both for the biology of the plant and economics. This is not a comprehensive review but it focuses on the main features of the environment, i.e. temperature, light, water supply, wind and humidity. In particular locations some other factor, such as waterlogging or pollutants, may be important for productivity but they are not dealt with here.