Effect of two growth regulators on the fruit crown of Ananas comosus L. Merr. cv 'MD-2'

Abstract

The objective of this trial was to determine the effect of two growth regulators on the fruit crown of Ananas comosus L. Merr. cv 'MD-2' in San Ramón, Chanchamayo, Peru. Folicur® EW (Tebuconazole) and Big Hor (Auxin + Cytokinin + Gibberellin) were tested, both with two doses (1 and 2 %) and at 45, 55 and 65 days after flower induction treatment [FIT]. A DBCA with 13 treatments and four replications was used. Harvesting was done 170 days after FIT and crown length, crown weight, number of leaves per crown, fruit weight (with and without crown), fruit height and diameter, brix degrees, pH and titratable acidity were evaluated. Both products decreased crown growth; this effect was on crown length and weight, not on the number of leaves in the crown, always the effect of Tebuconazole was significantly greater than that of Big Hor. In no case was there an effect on fruit weight and chemical characteristics. However, in some Tebuconazole treatments, fruit diameter was significantly increased. It is recommended to continue investigating growth regulators in other varieties, different agronomic management conditions and varying climates.

Keywords

• crown size
• fruit size
• fruit quality
• pineapple
• Tebuconazole