Characterization of ‘MD-2’ Pineapple Planting Density and Fertilization Using a Grower Survey

Abstract

‘MD-2’ is the predominant pineapple (Ananas comosus) cultivar for fresh fruit export worldwide. Costa Rica is one of the most important producers and exporters of ‘MD-2’, and many growers in this country have switched to this crop. However, growers have expressed concerns about the limited technical information available about how to grow this cultivar. We conducted a survey to gather information about the production practices implemented by commercial pineapple growers in Costa Rica and use this information to describe the response of the crop to these practices. Planting density was the most limiting factor affecting yield. Average planting density was 62,594 plants/ha although planting densities above 70,000 plants/ha produced highest yields. Average yields were 7130 and 4723 boxes/ha for the mother plant and ratoon crops, respectively. Fruit weight ranged from 1.5 to 2.0 kg and was not evidently affected by planting density or fertilization. Fertilization levels were between 632 and 520 kg·ha−1 nitrogen (N), 129 and 93 kg·ha−1 phosphorous (P), and 400 and 340 kg·ha−1 potassium for the mother plant and ratoon crops, respectively. In focus groups, growers considered that N and P levels could be reduced by 20% and 66% respectively, without jeopardizing yield. Results indicated that management practices must be modified for the ratoon crop to avoid yield reductions. The present study illustrated how a collaborative effort in which growers share information about their production practices can generate valuable data needed to identify adequate practices when funding and technical support are not available to experimentally generate these type of data.