Origin Of Pineapple
Pineapple, with the botanical name Ananas comosus, is a tropical plant with edible fruit and the most economically significant plant in the family Bromeliaceae. Pineapple is native to South America, where it has been grown for many centuries. It is a tropical herbaceous perennial crop.
Its origin can be traced to the Parana–Paraguay River drainages between southern Brazil and Paraguay. Little is known about domestication, but it spread as a crop throughout South America, and it eventually reached the Caribbean, Central America, Europe, and Africa.
Pineapple flowers once and produces a single pineapple or at most two. After fruiting, it dies off. However, each fruit comes with a sucker that can be planted again. The pineapple is mostly planted by its sucker.
The most commonly grown variety in Nigeria and Africa is called smooth cayenne. The variety is used predominantly in Africa and the world because it is quite resilient and productive. Some pineapple species are grown as ornamentals for color, novel fruit size, and other aesthetic qualities.
Nutrient Composition Of Pineapple
Pineapple is rich in manganese and vitamin C. Nutrient Amounts per 100g
- Water: 86%
- Total Carbohydrates: 13g
- Total Protein: 0.5g
- Total Fat: 0.1g
Preferred Botanical Name: Ananas comosus
Preferred Common Name: Pineapple
Local Common Names;
- Igbo: Akwu Oru
- Yoruba: Ope Oyibo
- Ibibio: Eyop Mbakara
International common names;
- English: Pineapple
- French: Ananas
Medicinal Properties And Uses Of Pineapple
Below are some of the health benefits of pineapple.
- The antioxidants in pineapple fight against diseases and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
- Pineapples ease digestion due to the presence of bromelain in them. Bromelain breaks down protein which may also aid digestion.
- Eating pineapple helps reduce the risk of cancer due to compounds that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which are related to cancer.
- Pineapple contains vitamins, minerals, and enzymes like bromelain that may help to boost immunity and suppress inflammation.
- It helps to ease the symptoms of arthritis
- Eating pineapple after surgery or strenuous exercise can help the person recover.
How To Grow Pineapple
Below is what you need to know to grow a pineapple.
Yield Information Of Pineapple
Pineapple takes up to 18-24 months to fully grow into fruition. The first year is when the seedling grows into a matured plant and starts flowering or fruiting. It takes up to six months from fruition to fruit maturity. Pineapple yields a maximum of two fruits per stand.
The majority of the stands yield just one fruit. Each fruit comes with a new sucker that you can plant. After fruit maturity and harvesting, the plant dies off.
A pineapple plants flowers and fruits just once, but it will produce offsets once it starts flowering. Offsets are small plants growing off the main plants. They can grow into mature plants and produce their flowers and fruits.
Do not tamper with offsets on the plant until after harvest after the main plant depreciates. Then, you can now separate them from the mother plant and plant them in their pots until maturity.
Nursery And Transplant Requirements Of Pineapple
Pineapples can first be planted on a nursery bed, then transplanted later to the planting bed. This is possible because they have a tiny root system, and they depend on their leaves for water and nutrition. A mature pineapple plant produces offsets (baby plant) around its base or the fruit crown, which can be propagated.
Cut off the leafy fruit crown from the fruit to a fibrous fruit core and top leaves. Then, prepare to plant it on moist and well-drained soil to develop roots and grow.
Soil And Sun Requirements Of Pineapple
A well-drained and sandy loam soil with a soil pH between 4.5 to 6.5 are ideal for planting pineapples. Pineapples will not thrive in a saturated area; hence, it requires a sandy loam soil because it is loose and allows for water movements through the soil.
Pineapple will not thrive in waterlogged soil; however, it can survive prolonged dryness, but it requires even moisture with a high organic matter content for it to develop well. You should pulverize the soil to 60cm (2 feet).
The plant needs all-day sunlight and a temperature range between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit to remain healthy and growing. It requires full sunlight to produce the best fruit. Insufficient sunlight can delay foilage development and prevent flowering.
Pineapple requires nutrients such as nitrogen, especially for young pineapple plants. Magnesium is also an essential nutrient in pineapple growth; it helps balance the large amount of potassium the pineapple plant requires.
Watering Requirements Of Pineapple
Pineapple is a tropical plant with a temperature requirement of 65° – 95°F (18.33-45°C). The plant will do well on cool nights for a short period; however, prolonged cold slows growth, delays maturity, and the fruit becomes more acidic. The flavor of the fruit can be affected by the altitude.
About one inch of water per week is required for pineapples either by rainfall or artificial irrigation. In arid areas, manual irrigation should be provided, which will cut across all watering situations from planting and 8-12 weeks before harvest in dry seasons.
Planting And Spacing Requirements Of pineapple
A suitable planting space for pineapple is double row spacing at 60cm between rows, 30cm between plants, and about 120cm between adjacent double rows. Ridging should preferably be done after planting the sucker 7cm to 10cm deep on a leveled ground.
Harvesting Of Pineapple
Harvesting can occur 18 to 24 days after planting. When the bottom of the fruit slightly changes color, that’s a maturity sign. Flowering occurs 10-12 months after planting, depending on the variety, time of planting, and type of planting material used.
Harvest the fruit with a sharp knife. Cut off the fruit from the bottom such that the fruit is not damaged and the crown is retained. You can store harvested fruits for 3 to 4 weeks in a well-ventilated, cool place.
Storage And Preservation Of Pineapple
Temperatures of 7 to 12°C (45 to 55°F) are recommended to store pineapples for 14 to 20 days, provided the fruits are at the color break stage. Relative humidity of 85 to 95% is recommended. A high relative humidity significantly reduces water loss.
Ripe fruit can store for about 7 to 10 days at 7.2°C (45°F). Keeping pineapples in the refrigerator is the best, especially if it has been cut. Put cut fruits in an airtight container for a longer life span. You can also store pineapples for the long term, but you have to freeze them in an airtight container.
Storage Of Pineapple Suckers
You can store suckers in a cool, dry place with a temperature of about 20 degrees. They can stay for about 7 to 10 days. Suckers should not be kept for very long without planting to avoid decay and spoiling.
Pests And Diseases Of Pineapple
Pests and diseases affecting pineapple are:
Bacterial Heart Rot And Fruit Collapse
Bacteria cause it. Symptoms include water-soaked lesions on the white basal section of the leaves in the central whorl, which may spread to all leaves in the central whorl. Fruits that have been infected bring out juices, and the shell turns olive green. Cavities also form within the fruit.
Natural ways of management include removing and destroying infected fruits and avoiding the use of infected crowns for seed material to prevent the spread of the disease.
Butt Rot And White leaf spot
Fungi causes this. Symptoms include a soft black spot that begins at the area where the seed piece detaches from the mother plant. Wet spots develop on leaves. You can manage it by storing seed material on mother plants during dry weather with good air circulation.
Avoid wounding and bruising fruits during harvest to help reduce black rots.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs affect the plant; they are an attractant to the plant. Plants may show symptoms of mealybug wilt, flattened oval disc-like insect covered in waxy substance on tree branches. It can be controlled by using natural enemies such as lady beetles.
Phytophthora heart and root rot
Oomycetes cause it. Symptoms include young leaves falling to elongate and turning chlorotic; terminal whorls can be easily pulled from the mother plant, water-soaked tissues at the base of leaves, and a foul smell. You can manage it by using raised beds that help drain the soil.
It would be best if you avoided mulch from pineapple debris.
Conclusion
Pineapple is a powerhouse of health benefits, making it a must-have addition to your diet. With its high concentration of vitamin C, this tropical fruit boosts your immune system, fortifying your body against pesky infections. And that’s not all – thanks to its natural enzyme, bromelain, pineapple also aids in digestion and soothes inflammation, making it a true digestive health superhero. Plus, its rich fiber content promotes a healthy weight by providing a satisfying feeling of fullness. And last but definitely not least, pineapples are packed with antioxidants, fighting against harmful free radicals and potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases. So go ahead and embrace the many benefits of this juicy, tasty fruit.
Moreover, the presence of manganese in pineapples greatly aids in maintaining strong bones and promoting overall wellness. By incorporating this flavorful and nourishing tropical fruit into your diet, you can effectively support multiple facets of your well-being.