ISHS Acta Horticulturae 334: I International Pineapple Symposium
THE EFFECT OF TWO PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS ON THE INHIBITION OF PRECOCIOUS FRUITING IN PINEAPPLE |
| Author: | C.H. Scott |
| Abstract:
The favourable climatic conditions of Queensland's Summer and Autumn can accelerate the growth rate of pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) suckers to such a degree that the incidence of precocious fruiting the following summer can be as high as 50–70%. This breakdown in crop control can seriously affect farm management and returns through inefficient harvesting and substantial losses caused by sunburn and overripe fruit. 2-(3-chlorophenoxy) propionic acid (Fruitone CPA) or paclobutrazol (Cultar) were applied as foliar sprays at various rates, application volumes, and timings in an attempt to limit sucker growth rate to a degree that natural flowering was inhibited. In trials from 1988–1992, Fruitone CPA reduced the incidence of precocious fruit from an average 48.5% to 8.2%, while Cultar was less effective with a reduction from an average 55.2% to 28.5%. It was concluded that Fruitone CPA applied at 50 ppm active constituent in 3000 L ha-1 in mid to late March was the most effective treatment. | |
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