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Land Preparation
"Queen" pineapple thrives well in soil with adequate
tillage. Two plowings each, followed by harrowing, is done at
an interval of 7 to 10 days per operation. This results in a
well-prepared soil and reduced weed population.
In open areas, cleaning is performed
before plowing and harrowing. The number of times clearing is
done depend on the soil tilth and weed incidence.
Some farmers practice zero tillage
or no plowing. Pineapple suckers are planted after digging holes
by means of a heavy hoe.
Preparation of Planting Materials
and Planting
Suckers and crowns are two popular
planting materials of Queen pineapple. Before planting, the suckers
are cured by exposing the root section or butt to direct sunlight
for 3 to 5 days. This prevents stem rot in the newly planted
crop.
When grown as intercrop to coconut
trees, pineapple may be planted using the single row method at
70 centimeters to 100 centimeters between rows, and 30 centimeters
between hills. The double row method can also be used at 80 centimeters
between double rows, 50 centimeters within double rows and 30
centimeters between hills.
Planting is done with the aid
of a bolo. Suckers are placed in the hole in vertical position.
Weed Control
Weeds can be efficiently controlled
by using herbicide such as Diuron or Karmex using 2.5 kilograms
to 3.0 kilograms per hectare, sprayed 7 to 10 days after planting.
Herbicide-resistant weeds can be controlled by hand pulling.
A second application of herbicide may be done 4 to 5 months after
planting.
For cogonal areas, a pre-tillage
application of glyphosate herbicide (round-up) is very helpful.
In areas where mutha (Cyperus Rotundus) is thickly growing the
same glyphosate herbicide compound can be applied 7 to 10 days
after planting.
In areas infested by Aguingay
(Nattboellia exaltata) or itchgrass, the use of Fluazifop-Butyl
(e.g. Onecide 15 EC) is recommended.
Fertilization
Pineapple requires sufficient
supply of fertilizer for vigorous growth and profitable harvest.
One hectare of Queen pineapple consisting of 35,000 plants requires
24.5 bags of urea, ammonium phosphate and muriate of potash.
Potassium makes the fruit sweet; nitrogen gives vigor to the
plants; and phosphorous help in the development of the roots.
Urea is best applied at the
base of the plant. Ammonium phosphate and muriate of potash can
be placed on top of the first three oldest leaves at the base
of the plants.
Flower Induction
Forced fruiting can be done
when the pineapple plant is 10 to 13 months old or when it has
36 or more normal leaves. Ethepon (e.g. Ethrel 480) is now popular
flower inducer. The use of 50 ppm ethrel + 2% urea + o.o4% calcium
carbonate is both economical and highly effective. Thirty (30)
millimeters of the solution is poured at the "heart"
or center of the whorl of leaves of the plant.
Calcium Carbide or "kalboro"
can be used in flower induction at a ratio of 1 kg. Carbide per
8-12 cans of water. (kerosene can = 19 liters).
Harvesting
Queen pineapple can be harvested
4.5 to 5 months after flower induction. For distant market outlets,
fruits are harvested at maturity index of 0 to 1 (green ripe
to 14% yellow). For nearer outlets, fruits can be harvested at
maturity index of 2-3 (15% to 49% yellow).
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