Varietal Testing of Three Abaca (Musa textilis L. Nee) Cultivars under Lowland Medium Altitude Agro-ecological Conditions in Maitum, Sarangani Province

This 9-month study was undertaken to evaluate the morpho-agronomic performance of three abaca cultivars (Bongolanon, Maguindanaon and Tanggongon) in the mid-lowland areas of Maitum and to recommend the specific cultivar that is suitable or adapted for such area. Results showed that there was no significant difference in the growth responses of the three abaca varieties to Maitum conditions. It was also established, albeit tentatively that Bongolanon is the most suitable variety for Maitum as proven by the high values it registered for % survival, suckering ability and its relative tolerance to pest infestation when compared to Maguindanaon and Tangonon. It is therefore recommended that the study will be replicated and the limitations addressed to get a more accurate estimation of the field performance of the abaca varieties under these mid-lowland conditions.