My dear farmers,
I have come upon a most wondrous fruit known as the pineapple, or Ananas comosus, that hails from distant lands across the seas, specifically from the American continent, likely the regions of Brazil and Paraguay. It has garnered much admiration for its delectable taste and nutritional wealth. As I share my knowledge, I hope to guide you in cultivating this extraordinary fruit here in our blessed lands of India.
The Alluring Pineapple
The pineapple is a treasure trove of health benefits, rich in essential vitamins such as A, B, and C, and minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron. It even contains bromelain, an enzyme aiding in digestion. Let us embrace this fruit, which can not only nourish our bodies but also serve as a prosperous crop.
| Energy | 48 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 12.63 g |
| Sugars | 9.26 g |
| Fat | 1.40 g |
| Protein | 0.12 g |
| Thiamine (vit. B1 ) | 0.54 g |
| Riboflavin (vit. B2 ) | 0.079 mg |
| Riboflavin (vit. B2 ) | 0.031 mg |
| Pantothenic acid (B5 ) | 0.489 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.205 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.110 mg |
| Folate (Vit. B9 ) | 15.00 μg |
| Vitamin C | 36.20 mg |
| Calcium | 13.00 mg |
| Iron | 0.28 mg |
| Magnesium | 12.00 mg |
| Manganese | 0.90 mg |
| Phosphorus | 8.00 mg |
| Potassium | 115.0 mg |
| Zinc | 0.10 mg |
Source: USDA Nutrient Database
Varieties of Pineapple
There are several varieties of pineapple, classified into three main groups:
- Cayenne
- Queen
- Spanish
Among these, the Cayenne group holds the highest esteem. In our country, the Kew or Giant Kew, synonymous with Smooth Cayenne, is widely cultivated. The Queen variety, another favourite, is perfect for the fresh-fruit markets.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Pineapples thrive in humid tropical climates, making them well-suited to our coastal regions and inland areas with high rainfall. They flourish best at temperatures between 22 to 32 degrees Celsius and can grow up to 1100 meters above sea level, provided there is no frost. A rainfall of 100-150 centimeters is ideal, though supplementary irrigation can aid during dry spells.
Sandy loam soil, about 45-60 centimeters deep, with a pH of 5.0-6.0, offers the best conditions for pineapple cultivation. Avoid heavy clay soils.
Preparing the Land
Begin by ploughing g the land thoroughly, followed by leveling. Prepare trenches about 90 centimeters wide and 15-30 centimeters deep. This will be the bed for your pineapple plants.
Planting
Planting Material:
Pineapples are typically propagated by suckers, slips, and crowns. These planting materials, aged 5-6 months, will flower after 12 months, except crowns, which take 19-20 months.
Treatment of Planting Material:
Before planting, it is prudent to treat the planting materials. Dip them in a solution of ceresan (4 grams in 1 litre of water) or 0.2% Dithane M-45 to protect against bud rot.
Planting Season:
The timing of planting is crucial. Ideally, plant 12-15 months before the peak flowering season, varying from December to March depending on the region. In Assam, plant between August and October. In Kerala and Karnataka, April to June is best. Avoid planting during heavy rains.
Spacing:
For a bountiful harvest, high-density planting is recommended. A density of 63,400 plants per hectare (22.5 x 60 x 75 cm) suits sub-tropical and mildly humid conditions. For hot, humid areas, 53,300 plants per hectare (25 x 60 x 90 cm) yields high returns. In fertile, hilly, rain-fed regions, lower densities of 31,000 plants per hectare are advised.
Cultivation Practices
Manures and Fertilizers:
Pineapples need plenty of nitrogen and potassium. Apply 12 grams of nitrogen, 4 grams of P2O5, and 12 grams of K2O per plant annually. Fertilize during the monsoon when the soil is moist.
Irrigation:
Although typically rain-fed, supplementary irrigation ensures larger fruits. In dry regions, irrigate every 20-25 days to maintain soil moisture levels.
Mulching:
Mulching is vital for conserving soil moisture and controlling weed growth. Use dry leaves, straw, black polythene, or sawdust as mulching materials. Cover maturing fruits with rice straw or pineapple leaves to prevent sunburn and damage from birds.
Inter-cultivation:
Earthing up around the base of the plants improves anchorage and stability, particularly in ratoon crops. Regular mulching helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Spraying herbicides like Glyphosate (4-5 ml/L) or Diuron (2-4 ml/L) can effectively control weeds. To maximize fruit weight, delay the removal of suckers while removing slips promptly as they reach planting size.
Flower Regulation
Pineapple plants typically flower 10-12 months after planting, with fruits ready for harvest 5-6 months after flowering. Flowering can be induced using growth regulators. For example, applying a solution of ethrel (0.025 ml/l), urea (2%), and sodium carbonate (0.04%) can induce over 90% flowering. For 1000 plants, prepare 50 litres of this solution (1.25 ml of ethrel, 1 kg of urea, and 20 grams of sodium carbonate). Pour around 50 ml of this solution into the crown of each plant. Another method involves using calcium carbide (1%) and urea (2%) to induce flowering within 56 days when applied to plants that are around 12 months old. This method is also effective for the ratoon crop of Giant Kew, ensuring a timely harvest from March to May.
Removal of Suckers, Slips, and Crowns
Suckers start growing with the emergence of the inflorescence, while slips develop along with the fruit. Increasing the number of suckers per plant can enhance fruit weight, while more slips can delay fruit maturity. Thus, it is advisable to delay de-suckering and remove slips as soon as they reach planting size. Crowns, however, should not be removed as they add to the appeal of the fruit and ease of handling. Partial pinching of the crown, involving the removal of the innermost whorl of leaflets along with the growing tips 45 days after the fruit set, can improve fruit size and shape.
Plant Protection Measures
Insect Pests: Pineapples are generally resistant to pests, though occasional infestations of mealy bugs and scale insects may occur.
Diseases: Pineapples are largely disease-free, but stem rot can be a concern. This can be managed through good drainage and by dipping suckers in Bordeaux mixture before planting.
Harvesting and Yield
Pineapple plants typically flower 10-12 months after planting, with fruits ready for harvest 15-18 months later. Harvesting should be done when the fruits are fully ripe to ensure the best flavour and quality. With high-density planting and proper cultivation practices, yields of 70-105 tonnes per hectare can be achieved.
Post-Harvest Management
Grading: After harvesting, fruits should be graded based on their weight, size, and colour to ensure uniformity and quality for the market.
Storage: Pineapples with crowns can be stored for 10-15 days without damage. For long-distance transport, refrigerated storage at 10-13 degrees Celsius and 80-90% relative humidity can extend shelf life up to 20 days. The best storage conditions are at 7.2 degrees Celsius with 80-90% relative humidity.
Packing: For local markets, pack fruits in bamboo baskets lined with paddy straw, arranging them in layers. For distant markets, wrap each fruit individually with paddy straw before packing. This method ensures the fruits remain protected during transport.
Transportation: Road transport by trucks or lorries is the most popular mode due to easy access from orchards to markets. Ensure the fruits are well-packed to minimize damage during transit.
Marketing: Growers typically sell their produce at the farm gate to middlemen. Alternatively, they can sell through trade agents or commission agents at the market. Establishing direct connections with buyers can also help in getting better prices for the produce.
Conclusion
My dear friend, cultivating pineapples in our land holds great promise. By following the practices and guidelines I have shared, you can ensure a healthy, productive crop that can bring prosperity to our community. Embrace this remarkable fruit, nurture it with care, and it will reward you with bountiful harvests and a source of pride for our land.
Wishing you a bountiful and prosperous Pineapple harvest! For further assistance or any queries, please feel free to reach out to your local agricultural experts @ Agrigo 24/7
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