Pineapple Plant Fruit Facts

It is amazing when we realize how much history surrounds the pineapple fruit plant. It was in 1398 that the word "pineapple" was first recorded. Interestingly, the original name for the fruit originated from the Tupi word nanas, which means "excellent fruit." Other common names used for the pineapple plant are the words Pina, Nanas and Ananas.

Farmers together with scientists experimented with different methods to ensure the survival of the fruit for the benefit of future generations. It was in 1493 on the Guadelope island that Columbus were the first one to come across this fruit.

Agricultural Requirements and Pineapple Plant Facts

Its been said that the pineapple plant grows well near the coastlines, but is is also well suited for cultivation in humid tropics.

The pineapple plant will grow best under the following agricultural conditions:

• Maximum temperature needed to ensure the successful cultivation of the plant would be between 72 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

• The plant can also be grown at just more than 2000 feet above sea level. The fruit will be too acid at a higher altitude

• Rainfall requirement would range between 39 to 59 inches

• Ideally the pH level should range between 4.5 to 6.5 to ensure growth

During the planting season, the land would be prepared through ploughings that are followed by leveling. Trenches would ideally be about 35 inches wide and 5 to 12 inches deep.

An interesting fact is that shoppers can grow their own pineapples by saving the crown of the pineapple, and letting it dry for few days before planting it. But, it is best to consider the conditions needed to ensure successful growth.

There are up to six varieties of the pineapple plant. These would include the Kona Sugarloaf, Natal Queen, Red Spanish, Hilo, Pernambuco and Smooth Cayenne.

Pineapple Culture Methods

Different culture methods are being used to ensure proper growth of the pineapple plant. Generally, the plant is propagated by means of slip, sucker and crown. Planting materials used would bear flowers after 5 to 6 months, except for crowns that will only bear flowers after about 20 months. However, most pineapple plants are produced through using tissue culture methods.

Tissue culture is a collection of techniques that are used to help maintain as well as grow plant tissues under sterile conditions. Different plant tissue culture techniques have definite advantages over standard propagation methods used.

These advantage would include:

• The ability to produce exact copies of the pineapple plant that will have the same desirable traits

• Production of various plants in the absence of pollinators or seeds

• Reproduction of whole pineapple plants from cell that have been genetically modified

• Plants will be free from viral infections and will go on to multiply as cleaned stock for agriculture and horticulture benefit

• Promote the growth of mature pineapple plants in shorter time periods

In conclusion it is interesting to note that in summer when the pineapple plant is ready to bloom, the stem would grow longer and the tips would enlarge, showcasing flowers with purple or red petal growing from the stem. You will find that a cluster of leaves would also develop across the top of the flower cluster. For these flowers to produce seed, they would need to be fertilized by pollinators, which would usually be a hummingbird. Pineapple growers generally discourage pollination as they feel it is not necessary to get the fruit to develop.