Mixed Results for Tropical Fruit

WASHINGTON - May 12/06 - SNS -- Tropical fruit production in Hawaii generate mixed results in 2005, with output of bananas up, while guava output was unchanged and papaya and taro down, according to the USDA's latest crop production estimates.

Hawaii banana production for 2005 is estimated at 20.9 million pounds, up 27% from last year. Statewide harvested area is 980 acres, down 20 acres from 2004. Weather for most of 2005 was favorable for banana orchards. Older and diseased acreage is being replanted or converted to other crops. Orchard maintenance and monitoring for banana bunchy top virus are ongoing.

Utilized guava production in Hawaii for 2005 is estimated at 8.10 million pounds, unchanged from 2004. Harvested area totaled 630 acres, up 20% from the previous year's revised acreage. Yield (based on utilized production) averaged 12,900 pounds per acre, compared with 15,400 pounds in 2004.

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