Effect of Planting Density on the Agronomic Performance and Fruit Quality of Three Pineapple Cultivars (Ananas comosus L. Merr.)

Abstract

Pineapple is a crop of great importance for the economic stability of a large number of Peruvians; however, in areas experiencing low degrees of technological intervention, farmers generally adopt low planting densities. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of three plantation densities (35700, 47600, and 55500 plants ha−1) on the agronomic performance and fruit quality of three pineapple cultivars (“Golden,” “Smooth Cayenne,” and “Santa Rosa” ecotype). The experiment was performed under a randomized complete block design (RCBD) in a factorial arrangement, and the data were subjected to analysis of variance and the Tukey test ( p < 0.05 ). The results show significant differences in terms of plant height and D-leaf length, with “Golden” being the cultivar that achieved the best performance at the three planting densities. The diameter (11.77–13.29 cm) and weight of the fruit without a crown (1.48–1.85 kg) were not affected by the treatments; in contrast, the length and weight of the fruit with a crown did exhibit significant variations, highlighting the “Smooth Cayenne” cultivar and “Santa Rosa” ecotype at a density of 55500 plants ha−1, respectively. The highest estimated yield (>100 t ha−1) for the three pineapple cultivars was recorded at a density of 55500 plants ha−1. The content of total soluble solids was higher in the “Golden” cultivar, but in general, all the fruits exceeded the established standards. Based on the results, it is recommended that farmers in the area and those with similar conditions establish a planting density of 55500 plants ha−1 because it improves the yield without damaging the quality of the fruit of the pineapple cultivars evaluated.

Pineapple research and development in Ethiopia a review

“…In addition, plant spacing in pineapple cultivation can influence plant growth, fruit development, and performance as a result of competition for nutrient, www.extensionjournal.com water, and light sources. Nuri et al (2021) [21] results of their study show that increasing plantation densities (up to 55500 plants ha -1 ) did not have significant effects on the weight (-crown) or diameter of pineapple fruits. The TSS contents and pH values of the harvested fruits varied due to the interaction of the cultivars and the sowing density, but in general, the fruits met the standards required for the market.…”

“…The TSS contents and pH values of the harvested fruits varied due to the interaction of the cultivars and the sowing density, but in general, the fruits met the standards required for the market. Based on the results, it is recommended that farmers in the area increase their planting densities up to 55500 plants ha -1 (30 cm x 40 cm x 80 cm), since it improves the yield of fruits ha -1 but without affecting the quality of the harvested fruit (Nuri et al, 2021) [21] .…”

Date fruit as a promising source of functional carbohydrates and bioactive compounds: A review on its nutraceutical potential

“…However, suboptimal temperatures can affect yield and product quality in terms of size and higher risk of growing molds. Similarly, agronomic practices such as water supplies and proper fertilization management have profound effect on nutritional composition of fruits (Neri et al, 2021).…”

Yield gap reduction of pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) by site-specific nutrient management

“…In the other word, low pH decreases the nutrient availability [ 12 ]. Some other approaches have been made to fix this, such as using biocompost and biochar [ 13 ], adjusting plant density [ 14 , 15 ], using organic fertilizer [ 16 ], and using plant growth substances [ 15 ]. However, the common point of these studies is that the role of chemical fertilizers is still undeniable, i.e., chemical fertilizers were still used to maintain the yield of pineapple, while these approaches can be considered as amendments.…”