Pineapple
Pineapple (Ananas
comosus) is an important fruit crop in India. Originated in Brazil, it has
spread to other tropical parts of the world. A good source of vitamins A and B,
pineapple is fairly rich in vitamins C, calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron.
It is also a source of bromelin, a digestive enzyme.
The cultivation of pineapple is confined to high
rainfall and humid coastal regions in the peninsular India and hilly areas of
north-eastern region of the country. It can also be grown commercially in the
interior plains with medium rainfall and supplementary protective irrigations.
At present pineapple is grown commercially in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura,
Mizoram, West Bengal, Kerala, Karnataka and Goa, and on a small scale in
Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar and Uttar
Pradesh.
Climate and Soil
The pineapple is a crop of humid tropics. The
fruit grows well near the sea coast as well as in the interior, so long as the
temperatures are not extreme. The optimum temperature for successful
cultivation is 22°–32°C. Leaves and roots grow best at 32°C and 29°C
respectively. Their growth ceases below 20°C and above 36°C. A high temperature
at night is deleterious and a difference of at least 4°C between day and night
temperature is desirable. It can be grown up to 1,100m above mean sea-level, if
the area is frost-free. Although optimum annual rainfall for its commercial
cultivation is 100–150cm, it grows remarkably well under a wide range of
rainfall. In areas where the rainfall is less, supplementary protective irrigations
are necessary during dry season.
The plants come up well in any type of soil
except on very heavy clay soil. Sandy loam soils are ideal. The soil should be
45–60cm in depth without hard pan or stones. Low-lying areas with high
watertable should be avoided. The plants prefer a soil pH of 5.0–6.0.
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