Inflorescence and fruit development and yield.

Abstract

This chapter on pineapple covers inflorescence and fruit morphology and growth; factors affecting the induction of inflorescence development (photoperiod, solar radiation, temperature, water availability, genetic variation and geotropic stimulation); forced induction of flowering using plant growth regulators (ethylene, acetylene, calcium carbide, NAA, β-hydroxyethylhydrazine and ethephon); prevention of natural flowering through cultural methods, plant growth regulators and genetic engineering; factors that affect the quality of forcing; and the effects of factors such as plant weight at forcing and plant population density on yield.