Despite being a fruit, the pineapple does not grow on a tree. Instead, it grows on a low plant, typically reaching heights of up to four feet. This hardy plant exhibits significant drought resistance, requiring a minimum annual rainfall of 760 mm.
Preparing the field for pineapple cultivation involves clearing and thorough ploughing, followed by harrowing to achieve a fine tilth. In older plantations, the existing plants must be removed and the field ploughed to a depth of one foot, incorporating the chopped plant material into the soil. This process is often aided by machinery that lays back paper in long rows to prepare for planting.
The planting material for pineapples usually consists of crowns, slips, and suckers. Crowns take approximately 22 to 24 months to bear fruit, slips about 20 months, and suckers around 17 months. Pineapples are typically planted in beds arranged in two to five rows, depending on the region and specific climatic conditions.
Weed control is a major intercultural operation in pineapple fields, necessitating weeding at least three to four times a year. While manual weeding is common, the use of chemical weedicides can significantly reduce labor requirements and improve efficiency.
Approximately fifteen months after planting, a small bud appears at the center of the plant. This bud develops into dozens of small blue and pink flowers, each lasting only a day. These flowers encircle the developing pineapple, which takes about twenty months from planting to reach maturity and be ready for harvest.
Post-harvest, the fresh fruit must be carefully washed and waxed to ensure quality and longevity. The wax used in this process often contains fungicides to prevent post-harvest diseases, ensuring the pineapples remain fresh during transportation and storage.
Recent advancements in agricultural technology have further optimized pineapple farming. Precision agriculture techniques, such as soil moisture sensors and automated irrigation systems, are being increasingly adopted to maintain the ideal water supply and soil conditions. These innovations help farmers achieve higher yields and better-quality fruit, making pineapple cultivation more efficient and sustainable.
Comprehensive Guide to Pineapple Cultivation
