Pineapple performs well given the right amount of fertilizer. Inocencio Q. Obrero, researcher from the Research Outreach Station the Department of Agriculture in Camarines Norte says pineapple growers can now produce pineapple fruits that are in accord with the standard of the export market. Obrero said this is a welcome breakthrough as farmers can produce fruits of the required length, diameter and sweetness. This will also mean more income for farmers as fruits of bigger size command higher price.

The recent study of Obrero entitled "Performance of Queen Pineapple as Influenced by Varying Amounts of Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilizers” indicated that nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilizers when applied to the plant resulted to improved plant height , and length and width of the leaves.

According to Obrero, the 200 kg N and 200 kg K rate can already attain the desired fruit quality for the export market. Both N and K fertilizers are vital in increasing the weight and length of queen pineapple fruits.

He said the application of fertilizer has greatly enhanced fruit diameter.Also, the total soluble solids or sugar (TSS) of queen pineapple was highly influenced by the fertilizer application.

The application of fertilizer has little effect on crown size and sucker production. To be accepted in the export requirement the pineapple fruit should be 15cm in length, 10cm in diameter and 14% TSS. (Jayson M. Gonzales)




Source:
UMAsenso
ISSN-0911-2752
July-September 2002
Vol.11 No.3