In the quest to optimize pineapple cultivation, a recent study published in *Cogent Food & Agriculture* has uncovered promising insights into the role of growth substrates in macro-propagation. Led by J. M. D. D. E. Jayamanne from the Department of Crop Science at the University of Putra Malaysia, the research delves into the phenological and physiological variations in pineapple plantlets propagated via crown and main stem sections.
The study evaluated the suitability of various substrates—coco peat (CCP), sand (SD), and burnt paddy husk (BPH)—in different ratios for pineapple propagation. The findings revealed that main stem-based planting materials exhibited superior growth during the nursery stage, with higher leaf counts, relative growth rates, and fewer discarded plantlets compared to crown-based materials. However, the real game-changer emerged when the researchers used a specific substrate combination: CCP+BPH in a 1:2 ratio.
“This substrate significantly improved growth in crown-based materials by enhancing plantlet uniformity, chlorophyll content, total leaf area, and the relative growth rate,” Jayamanne explained. The CCP+BPH (1:2) substrate effectively mitigated the inherent slow growth and development associated with crown-based planting materials, proving advantageous for enhancing overall growth and development during the nursery stage.
The improvements were attributed to the significantly increased root surface area and volume, which the optimal physicochemical conditions in the CCP+BPH/1:2 substrate promoted. This enhancement in root development translated into superior plant vigor in the crown-based planting materials.
The commercial implications of this research are substantial. Pineapple cultivation often involves the discard of crowns, which are now shown to be valuable for propagation. By utilizing these otherwise wasted materials, farmers can enhance sustainability and cost efficiency. The study underscores the importance of substrate selection in macro-propagation, highlighting the potency of CCP+BPH/1:2 in enhancing the growth and uniformity of pineapple crown-based planting materials.
As the agriculture sector continues to seek innovative ways to improve productivity and sustainability, this research offers valuable insights into optimizing macropropagation techniques. The findings could potentially revolutionize pineapple cultivation practices, making them more efficient and environmentally friendly. By leveraging the right substrates, farmers can achieve better plantlet development, ultimately leading to higher yields and economic benefits.
In an industry where every advantage counts, this study provides a significant step forward in the quest for more sustainable and productive pineapple farming practices. The research not only enhances our understanding of plant propagation but also opens new avenues for commercial applications, benefiting both growers and consumers alike.