GLOBAL NETWORK FOR PINEAPPLE RESEARCH

Biotechnologies might provide solutions to specific problems such as particular pest and disease susceptibility, flowering control or fruit quality. Countries like USA and Australia have already invested significantly in this area for several years. However, genetic engineering requires major investment and intellectual, and germplasm property issues are still controversial on a world scale. In the present context of trade globalization, solutions will not be easy to find. On the other hand, conventional breeding is still of great importance in a context of fresh fruit market growth and diversification. Private ownership of germplasm is a key issue for pineapple trade in general, and more specifically for the integration of the small farmer communities from developing countries in this world trade.

Environmental issues are not high priority in most countries. Nevertheless, global pressure on agriculture should rapidly raise these questions in an increasing number of sites. Erosion, nitrogen and pesticide pollution are important risks in pineapple cultivation, and pineapple-based farming systems should evolve significantly in this regard. Collaborative effort is needed to create common tools and methodologies in order to set up more environmentally friendly pineapple farming systems adapted to the diversity of environmental and socio-economic conditions.

In any case, integration of public effort and private needs (companies, consumers and farmers) should require specific attention in the future. The paper suggests collaborative priorities and mechanisms to enhance cooperation for pineapple research.

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