Optimal Shoot Mass for Propagation to Increase the Yield and Quality of Pineapple

Nguyen Quoc Hung, Le Thi My Ha, Dao Thi Lien, Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga and Vu Phong Lam ()
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Nguyen Quoc Hung: Fruit and Vegetable Research Institute, Ha Noi 12400, Vietnam
Le Thi My Ha: Fruit and Vegetable Research Institute, Ha Noi 12400, Vietnam
Dao Thi Lien: Fruit and Vegetable Research Institute, Ha Noi 12400, Vietnam
Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga: Faculty of Heath Sciense, Tay Bac University, Son La 360000, Vietnam
Vu Phong Lam: Department of Agronomy, Tay Bac University, Son La 360000, Vietnam

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 13, 1-12

Abstract: This study investigates the impact of shoot mass on the growth, flowering, and yield of pineapple plants in two consecutive crops (2019–2020 and 2020–2021). Four treatments with varying shoot masses (200–300 g, 350–400 g, 450–500 g, >500 g) were analyzed for their flowering time, fruit harvesting, and yield parameters. To induce flowering, Ethrel was applied at a concentration of 0.4%. Each shoot was treated with 20–25 mL of Ethrel, resulting in synchronized flowering in the pineapples. The experiment employed a complete randomized block design (RCBD) comprising four treatments. The results reveal that bigger shoot masses lead to earlier flowering and a shorter time for fruit harvesting, ranging from mid-February to early July. Furthermore, this study explored the yield factors, showing that shoot masses of 350–500 g consistently result in higher harvest numbers, fruit weights, and theoretical yields. The influence of shoot mass on fruit quality parameters, including size, biochemical composition, and edibility, was also examined. Notably, smaller shoot masses are associated with higher dry matter, vitamin C, sugar, and brix levels, indicating superior quality. The findings suggest that optimizing shoot mass could significantly impact the pineapple cultivation timeline, yield, and fruit quality, providing valuable insights for pineapple farmers and cultivators. These findings carry profound implications for pineapple cultivation practices and market strategies. By optimizing shoot mass, growers can strategically adjust planting schedules to capitalize on favorable flowering and harvesting periods, potentially enhancing market competitiveness. Moreover, the insights gleaned regarding fruit quality parameters offer avenues for targeted marketing strategies, catering to discerning consumer preferences for superior-quality produce. Thus, this study not only advances scientific understanding but also provides actionable insights that could revolutionize pineapple cultivation practices and market positioning strategies, ultimately benefiting farmers and cultivators alike.

Keywords: shoot mass; vitamin C; yield parameters; sugar; total soluble solids (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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