Plantain Sucker

A sucker is a plant growth that develops from the rootstock of a plant that has undergone grafting.

• A sucker grows from the base of the root of the plant at a certain distance away from the plant.
• This undesirable part of the plant should be removed to prevent it from sucking away the plant’s energy.
• Rooted suckers can be dug up and planted elsewhere.

Plants that produce suckers 

• Blackberries and raspberries boast an impressive list of about 250 species, all of which reproduce via suckers.
• Other types of fruit that produce root suckers are apple trees, blueberries, cherry trees, plantain, plums, pears, pineapple, and banana.
• In addition, several species of trees such as locust (Robinia) and elms (Ulmus) have aggressive roots that can spread via suckers.
• Other trees that reproduce using root suckers are Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima), chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus), cottonwood poplar (Populus sp.), western redbud (Cercis occidentalis) and tallow tree (Sapium sebiferum).

Plantain sucker

• Farmers traditionally depend on the natural regeneration process of new plantain suckers to replace their plantain plants.
• They often remove all the suckers on a mat, except for the ones selected to replace the mother plant.
• However, with the advent of technology and other sophisticated techniques, planting and harvesting plantain suckers require fewer inputs and can be planted immediately on the field.
• Generally, plantain requires 10 to 12 months from planting to harvest.

Considerations before planting suckers

If you are planting a larger number of suckers then it makes sense to think carefully and plan the layout of the new field. To do this, you have to take into account: planting density, number of trees, shade trees, the slope of the field, and windbreaks.

Planting density refers to the number of trees you plant in a given area.

The planting density is influenced by:

• Size of the mature suckers (larger trees means lower planting density).
• Amount of maintenance you intend to do (higher planting density means higher maintenance, more pruning in particular).
• The soil fertility and if fertilizer will be applied every year.

Warnings!!!

Do not plant suckers that are affected by any type of disease or pest problem.