Pineapple

Ananas comosus

1. Identification and origin

Ananas comosus (L.) Merr. is a perennial herbaceous species of the Bromeliaceae family, known as the pineapple. It is native to South America, especially the region between Brazil, Paraguay and northern Argentina. The species was spread by indigenous peoples and later by European colonisers, becoming a tropical crop of great worldwide importance.

2. Economic importance

The pineapple is one of the most produced and traded tropical fruits globally, consumed fresh, canned, dried and in the juice industry. The crop is relevant in tropical and subtropical countries, notably Costa Rica, the Philippines, Thailand and Brazil. Its high commercial value, constant demand and the possibility of intensive production make it a strategic crop in tropical horticulture.

3. Botanical characterisation

Perennial herbaceous plant, with a rosette of rigid, linear and spiny leaves. The stem is short and central. The inflorescence is composed of multiple flowers that fuse to form the compound fruit (sorosis), characteristic of the pineapple. After harvesting, the plant can produce lateral shoots (suckers) used for vegetative propagation. Reproduction is essentially vegetative, through crowns, basal suckers or fruit suckers.

4. Soil and climate requirements

It prefers tropical and subtropical climates, with optimum temperatures between 22–30 °C. It is sensitive to cold and frost. It requires high light and well-drained soils, light to sandy-loam, with a pH between 4.5–6.5. It tolerates some drought, but benefits from regular irrigation in intensive systems. Waterlogged soils favour root diseases and reduce development.

5. Main pests

• Mealybug: Dysmicoccus brevipes causes vegetative decline and transmission of wilt.
• Mites: Dolichotetranychus floridanus causes discolouration and reduction of vigour.
• Nematodes: Meloidogyne spp. affect the root system.
• Borers and chewing insects: damage to leaves and shoots.
• Ants: can protect mealybugs and aggravate infestations.

6. Main diseases

• Pineapple wilt: Fusarium guttiforme causes necrosis and death of the plant.
• Black rot of the fruit: Thielaviopsis paradoxa causes internal browning.
• Root rots: Phytophthora cinnamomi and P. parasitica in waterlogged soils.
• Yellow spot: Marasmius spp. causes leaf necrosis.
• Post-harvest rots: opportunistic fungi under inadequate storage conditions.

7. General crop management

It includes the use of healthy vegetative material, planting in well-drained soils, weed control and monitoring of pests and diseases. Balanced fertilisation, especially with nitrogen and potassium, is essential for the development and quality of the fruit. Regular irrigation improves size and uniformity. Harvesting should be carried out when the fruit reaches adequate colouration and sugar content, avoiding mechanical damage.

Bibliographic references

• EPPO Global Database – Ananas comosus.
• CABI – Crop Factsheets – Ananas comosus.
• FAO – Technical documents on tropical fruit trees.
• Bartholomew, D. P., Paull, R. E., & Rohrbach, K. G. (2003). The Pineapple: Botany, Production and Uses. CABI.
• Py, C., Lacoeuilhe, J. J., & Teisson, C. (1987). L’Ananas: Sa Culture, Ses Produits. G.P. Maisonneuve et Larose.