PINEAPPLE (Ananas comosus L.)

Origin: South America (Brazil-Paraguay region)

Botanical Name: Ananas comosus

Family: Bromeliaceae

➤ Soil
Light, well-drained sandy loam to lateritic soils with pH 4.5–6.5. Sensitive to waterlogging and heavy clays. Requires good organic content and aeration.

➤ Climate
Tropical to subtropical climate with 22–32°C optimal temperature. Requires 1000–1500 mm rainfall or equivalent irrigation. Tolerates drought better than waterlogging.

➤ Varieties
Kew, Queen, Mauritius, MD2.

➤ Propagation
Propagated by suckers, slips, and crowns. Slips are preferred due to earlier and better fruiting.

➤ Planting
Spacing: 60 x 30 cm (high density). Planting time: onset of monsoon or irrigated conditions year-round.

➤ Irrigation
Requires light but regular irrigation. Drip irrigation is highly effective. Avoid stagnation and maintain mulch to conserve moisture.

➤ Manuring & Fertilization
Apply 16 g N, 4 g P₂O₅, and 12 g K₂O per plant/year in split doses. Foliar spray of micronutrients (Zn, Fe, Mg) enhances yield.

➤ Intercropping
Can be grown with coconut, areca nut, or banana in early stages. Acts as a soil cover and reduces weed growth.

➤ Pests & Diseases
Pests: Mealybugs, mites.
Diseases: Heart rot, fruit rot. Control through good drainage, sanitation, and neem-based sprays.