Effect of planting densities and nitrogen on yield and quality of kew pineapple

Abstract

Studies on varying plant densities and nitrogen on the plant, first and second ratoon crops of kew pineapple under rainfed condition revealed that among the five plant densities tried, 53330 plants/ha (24 x 45 x 105 cm spacing) recorded the highest fruit yield/ha. Low plant density of plants/ha (30 x 60 x 120 cm spacing) increased the length, breadh and weight of fruits. The quality characters viz., TSS (Brix), reducing and total sugars were maximum under low density while high density increased the acidity and ascorbic acid contents of the fruits. The mean fruit weight and the highest hectare yield were recorded at 600 kg N/ha. Nitrogen application increased the reducing and total sugars and decreased the TSS, acidity and ascorbic acid contents of the pineapple fruit.