The Growth Performance of Pineapple Seedlings Planted with Mycorrhizae and Different Rates of Phosphorus Fertiliser

Abstract

Pineapple stands as a promising crop with potential for widespread cultivation across Malaysia. Nevertheless, factors like the elevated cost of fertilisers and certain environmental challenges have acted as obstacles to pineapple production within the country. The application of mycorrhiza presents an opportunity to curtail fertilisers usage and thereby mitigate environmental strain. This study seeks to assess the impact of mycorrhiza on pineapple growth and determine an optimal Phosphorus (P) fertilisers rate that complements mycorrhizal activity, all while enhancing pineapple growth. A randomised block design with six replications was employed. The study maintained a consistent mycorrhiza application rate of 5 g/plant but varied the Phosphorus fertilisers rate. Data on leaf length, plant height, fresh weight, and dry weight were collected and subjected to analysis. The study, conducted over a four-month period at UiTM Jengka, Pahang, culminated in results analysed through Microsoft Excel and MINITAB. Notably, Treatment 3 displayed the most robust growth performance across leaf length, plant height, and fresh weight. However, Treatment 5 emerged as the optimal choice for enhancing dry plant weight.