Introduction
Pineapple (Ananas comosus; Family: Bromeliaceae; 2n = 28/30), known as the "Golden Queen", is a major tropical fruit crop. It is drought-tolerant and adaptable for use as a mixed crop, pure crop, or hedge, suitable even for marginal lands.
Composition & Uses
Pineapple is rich in Vitamin C and also contains Vitamins A and B, sugars (13%), acidity (0.6–1.0%), fiber (0.3%), and minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and iron. It contains the proteolytic enzyme bromelain. The fruit is consumed fresh or processed into juice, jam, squash, vinegar, and candy. Its leaves provide silky fiber used in Pina cloth, and residues are used as cattle feed.
Origin & Distribution
Originating from North Brazil, pineapple is now widely grown in tropical regions. Key producers include India, Mexico, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. In India, it thrives in humid coastal and northeastern hill regions, especially in Karnataka, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Assam.
Climate & Soil
Grown from sea level up to 1500 m, pineapple prefers temperatures between 21–24°C and 100–150 cm rainfall. Sandy loam soils are ideal, especially acidic soils with pH 4.5–5.5. Excess magnesium and manganese can be harmful.
Species & Varieties
Two genera: Ananas (with slips) and Pseudananas (with stolons). Important species include A. comosus, A. bracteatus, A. ananassoides, etc.
Commercial Varieties
- Spanish Group: Mauritius, Red Spanish
- Queen Group: Queen, Mac Gregor
- Cayenne Group: Kew, Giant Kew
- Abacaxi Group: Sugar Loaf, Perola
- Manipur Group: Maipure, Perolera
Propagation
Propagated vegetatively using suckers, slips, and crowns. Slips and suckers (250–500 g) are preferred. High-density planting (25×35×90 cm) gives ~64,000 plants/ha with yields up to 120 t/ha.
Fertilizer Management
Apply 30 t FYM/ha. For 42,000 plants/ha: 500:140:560 kg NPK. For 64,000 plants/ha: 600:200:600 kg NPK in four splits. Foliar N (2–4%) is also used.
Micronutrient Deficiency & Correction
Deficiencies of Fe, Zn, Cu are common. Correct by spraying FeSO₄ (3%), ZnSO₄ (1%), and drenching with CuSO₄ (1.5–2%).
Irrigation
Although mostly rainfed, provide irrigation every 20–25 days in dry periods (4–6 irrigations/season).
Weed Management
Use pre-emergence herbicide bromacil + diuron (2 kg a.i./ha) for effective control.
Flowering & Fruiting
Begins 11–12 months after planting. Induce flowering with NAA (100–200 ppm), or Ethrel (25 ppm) + urea (2%) + sodium carbonate (0.04%). Fruits mature 4.5–5.5 months after flowering.
Harvesting & Yield
Harvest when basal eyelets turn orange-yellow and bracts loosen. Use a stalk of 5–7 cm. Yields:
- 35,000–40,000 plants/ha: 40–50 t/ha
- 43,000–50,000 plants/ha: 50–60 t/ha
Storage & Ripening
Store at 10–13°C for up to 20 days. Avoid temperatures below 8°C to prevent pulp browning. Ethrel (500 ppm) can induce ripening but may affect flavor.
Physiological Disorders
- Sunscald: Avoid direct sun exposure.
- Fasciation & Multiple Crowns: Caused by genetic and nitrogen effects.
- Black Heart: Triggered by cold; avoid GA₃; use heat treatment for prevention.
Pests & Diseases
- Mealybugs (Dysmicoccus brevipes): Cause wilting. Resistant: Red Spanish, Queen.
- Nematodes and Ants also attack the crop.
- Diseases:
- Ceratostomella paradoxa – Soft/stored fruit rot
- Phytophthora parasitica – Heart/stem rot
- Leaf spot, Black spot, Sclerotium wilt
- Pineapple wilt virus – Spread by mealybugs
Ratoon Management
Maintain one sucker per plant and follow standard practices for sustained yield.