Pineapple

Pineapple

1. Land Preparation

   • Ploughing or Digging
   • Followed by leveling
   • Trenches of convenient length
   • 90 cm. Width
   • 15-30 cm. Depth

2. Varieties

   • Smooth Cayenne
   • Abacaxi
   • Queen
   • Red Spanish

3. Planting

   • Suitable soil
     • Slightly acidic soil with pH range of 5.5 to 6
     • The soil must be well drained and light in texture
   • Best Season
     • Ready from July to September
     • Off-season in September to December
   • Spacing in Farming
     • Sub-tropical and mild humid conditions
       • 63,400 plants/ha.
     • Hot and humid conditions
       • 53,300 plants/ha.
   • Planting method
     • Flat-bed
     • Furrow
     • Contour
     • Trench

4. Crop Protection

   • Good drainage and dipping the suckers in Boradeaux mixture before planting

5. Fertilization

   • Dry Mixes and Iron Soil Drenches
   • Liquid Mixes
   • Micronutrient Mixes
   • Compost and Topsoil

6. Irrigations

   • Watered during extended dry periods
   • watered once a week
   • Drip irrigation

7. Harvesting

   • Done with a sharp knife
   • With a clean cut retaining 5-7 cm of stalk
   • Specialized conveyor called a boom harvester

8. Post-harvest

   • Washed to remove any unwanted bugs or wasted material
   • A high-pressure water sprays to remove any residue
   • Should be treated, by dipping or spraying
     • Dowicide A (sodium 2-phenylphenolate) at a concentration of 7 g per litre of water
   • Size grading and packing