This work aimed to define adequate spacings for the development and yield of 'Comprida Verdadeira' plantain in the South Rain Forest Region of Pernambuco State, Brazil. Experimental design of randomized bloks with three treatments, composed of three distinct spacings (3.0 x 2.0 m, 2.5 x 2.0 m and 2.0 x 2.0 m), and three replicates were utilized. The characteristics evaluated were: plant height, pseudostem circunference, numbers of suckers and leaves emitted, days from planting to inflorescence emission and harvest, bunch and hands weights, numbers of fruits and hands per bunch, fruit lenght and diameter, and skin thickness. Different distances had no effect on first cycle productivity. However, 3.0 x 2.0 m and 2.5 x 2.0 m spacings increased yield of bunch weight, and fruits showed the best physical characteristics.
Banana; planting density; planting distance; cultivation system; sucker management
