Pineapple cultivation started in Brazil and spread to other tropical parts of the world. It is a commercial fruit crop and its total estimated world production is 14.6 million tonnes. India holds 5th position in pineapple production and apart from India pineapple cultivation in USA, Thailand, Philippines, Brazil, Nigeria, Indonesia and Columbia is popular among farmers.
Land preparation for pineapple and practices
Begins with the ploughing of the land followed by levelling. The preparation of trenches depends on the nature of the land. Convenient trenches of 90 cm in length and 15 to 30 cm in depth are prepared.
Flatbed, furrow and trench are four different planting systems used in this cultivation.
The contour method is very helpful for reducing soil erosion in rainfall regions. It is mostly used in preparing the land for pineapple cultivation because these fruits are mostly cultivated under rainfed conditions. A mulching method is used and dry leaves and straw are used as mulching. Mulching with black polythene and straw dust creates a good effect on the ground. To reduce sunburn and damage mature fruits should be covered by rice straw or pineapple leaves.
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Pineapple farming practices
Agro climate requirements
This fruit is suitable for cultivation in humid tropic regions. It is capable of growing near the sea coast and in the interior.
Temperature – 22°C-32°C.
Rainfall required – 100-150 cm annually.
Soil
Sandy loamy soils with pH ranging from 5.0 to 6.0.
Varieties
In India there are some important varieties grown according to the states all are given below.
Assam & other N.E states – Kew, Queen, Mauritius.
Kerala – Mauritius, Kew, Queen.
West Bengal – Giant Kew, Queen.
Propagation method – Usually, pineapples are propagated by sucker, slip and crown.
Treatment – Treatment is required to protect the plant against bud rot.
Dip planting material – 4-gram ceresan solution + 1 litre water or 0.2% Dithane M-45 before planting.
Read it – Pineapple yield per acre hectare
Planting season
- Assam – August – october.
- Kerala and Karnataka – Apple to June.
- Avoid planting- during heavy rains.
- Northern West Bengal – october-November
- Other parts of West Bengal – June-July.
- Peak flowering period – January to March.
Spacing
Commercial cultivation – High density recommended.
Plants per/hectare – 63,400 with a spacing of 22.5 x 60 x 75 cm – For sub-tropical conditions.
Plants per/hectare -53,300 with a spacing of 25 x 60 x 90 cm – For hot and humid conditions.
Spacing format = plant to plant x row to row x trench to trench.
Planting method – Flatbed, furrow, contour and trench.
Irrigation
Irrigation is done under rainfed conditions. Irrigation may be provided once in 25 days in scanty rainfall and hot weather regions.
Intercultural practices
Weeding- 3 to 4 times a year.
Earthing up – Essential practice to anchorage to the plants.
After harvesting – Earthing is done leaving 1 to 2 suckers only.
Weed control – Diuron @ 2 kg/ha or Bromacil + diuron @ 2 kg/ha.
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Harvesting
Flowering – After 12 to 15 months from planting.
Fruit set – After 15-18 months after planting.
Fruit ripen time – 5 months after flowering.
Harvesting time – May to August under natural conditions.
Yield
Pineapple yield per hectare – 50-80 tons.
Pineapple yield per acre – 21-35 tons.
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FAQ
How do you prepare the soil for planting pineapple?
They need sandy loamy soils with a pH ranging from 5.0 to 6.0.
Ideal mix – Cactus + citrus potting mix.
Orchid mix – 1 part peat, 1 part coarse sand and 1 part perlite.
What are the planting materials for pineapple?
sucker, slip and crown.
What is the harvesting time for pineapple cultivation?
May to August under natural conditions.
What is the pineapple fruit ripening time?
5 months after flowering.
When does the fruit set start in the pineapple plant?
After 15-18 months after planting.
What is the flowering time in this cultivation?
After 12 to 15 months from planting.
What is the pineapple yield per acre?
21-35 tons.
What is the pineapple yield per hectare?
Normal density is 50 – 80 tonnes and 70-105/ha under high density.
What is the needed temperature for pineapple farming?
The optimum temperature required for successful pineapple cultivation is 22°C to 32°C.
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