Chemical characterization of leachates pseudostems and leaf blades of 'Harton' plantain in Yaracuy state

Abstract

Leachate obtaining effective against diseases of interest, like its potential as growth stimulators in Musa, it emerges as an alternative to the use of crop residues bananas (Musa AAB). To chemically characterize the pseudostems and leaf blades leachate of 'Harton' plantain biomass from two locations with different management were placed in plastic containers for decomposition,  under a completely randomized design and factorial arrangement  2x2  (a type of leachate and locality) with three replications. Protein concentration, macro, and microminerals, humic and fulvic acids, absorption spectra of each leachate, in comparison with the absorption spectra of growth regulators and the presence of secondary metabolites were determined.  It was found that, regardless of the locality, the analyzed compounds were present in leachates.  The highest concentration of protein was obtained in leaf blades,  reaching values of 128 µg ml-¹. Potassium was the most abundant element in both extracts, representing  77% of the composition of macroelements.  Only in leaf blades leachates, humic and fulvic acids were detected, at concentrations of 0.06 and 0.35%, respectively. The maxima absorptions obtained for leachates were between 220 and 250 nm, coinciding with auxin and cytokinin absorption. The higher intensity secondary metabolites observed were flavonoids,  alkaloids, carboxylic acids, phenols, and anthraquinones. The presence of protein, nutrients, secondary metabolites and growth regulators in the plantain leachates had properties for disease control and promoting growth in plants.