ISHS Acta Horticulturae 702: V International Pineapple Symposium
WINTER BLOTCHING OF QUEEN PINEAPPLE (ANANAS COMOSUS): A STUDY ON THE OCCURRENCE AND POSSIBLE CAUSE |
| Authors: | E.C. Rabie, H.A. Tustin |
| Keywords: | export, speckle, fruitlet, seasonal, fertilization |
| Abstract:
Since 1997 Queen pineapples from South Africa that were destined for the export market, were rejected due to the occurrence of winter blotching (WB). Winter blotching occurs as a circle of reddish brown corked tissue/skin around the flower opening of the fruitlet. It can appear on only a few fruitlets but in severe cases the total fruit can be covered. The fruit has a “dirty” appearance and is unacceptable on international markets. No effect on the internal quality of the fruit has been found. A study was conducted to find a possible cause. The occurrence of WB on fruit, seasonal distribution, the effect of treatments such as the application of fruit enlarger, the effect of fertilization as well as the effect of plant and fruit size on the occurrence of WB were investigated. The major cause of WB could not be identified, but a slight correlation between wind direction and fertilizer application was indicated. | |
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