The origin of pineapple is believed to be Brazil and Paraguay in South America. Here in Tanzania, pineapples are mostly cultivated in the areas of Bagamoyo, Kibaha (Coast), Tanga, Mtwara, Lindi, Geita and Mwanza. But also all the coastal areas of Tanzania are suitable for pineapple cultivation.
Pineapple cultivation prefers a warm climate and thrives well at altitudes between 0-1750 meters above sea level. Altitude 1300 to 1750 meters. Temperature requirements are between 18°C to 35°C.
For the cultivation of pineapple, the ideal soil pH is 5.5 to 6.0, and it thrives best in loamy and sandy soils that do not drain water. Although pineapple can grow in any type of soil, clay soil is not suitable for pineapple cultivation.
Field preparation
Plow the field with a tractor, with oxen or with a hand plow to a depth of 30 to 45 cm. You can cultivate the pineapple field with flat-bed or furrows.
For sesa: dig holes with a space of 60 cm between the lines, cm. 30 between seedlings and cm. 80 between each two lines. Put a starter fertilizer in each hole and side, make sure the field has enough moisture before planting. Put 10 to 15 tons of chicken manure, also put 2 handfuls of manure in each hole.
Pineapple cake
There are different types of 'seeds' (shoots/sprouts) but those that sprout from the ground are more suitable and mature earlier. Choose good shoots that are young and proportionate in size. Keep the seedlings in the shade for 3 days before transplanting so that they can take root quickly. Transplant at the beginning of the monsoons. The space should be 60 cm between the lines, cm. 30 between seedlings and cm. 80 between two lines. Plant 50,000 seedlings in one hectare. Dip the seedlings in Diazinon or Fention for 25 minutes before transplanting to prevent insect attacks.
pale
Weed the field regularly to ensure the field is free of weeds. In pineapple cultivation, weeds are controlled by hoe weeding, hand plucking or the use of herbicides. The use of herbicides makes it easier to weed pineapple considering that pineapples have spines at the ends of their leaves that peel the skin if weeding with a hoe is used. Another method is the use of mulch (mulch) of leaves or plastic (plastic mulch) specifically to prevent weeds.
Apply 50 to 70 grams of NPK fertilizer per seedling at planting time. Apply again 85 grams per seedling after 3 months and also 3 months later.
Pests and diseases that affect pineapples
Pineapple is a crop that is not often affected by insects or diseases. This is a great benefit for pineapple farmers! So in the event of an attack of insects and diseases, more professional advice should be sought to deal with the relevant problem. Be sure to inspect the field for pests if they appear.
Pineapple harvesting
Pineapples begin to flower 12 to 15 months after planting depending on the type of pineapple or seed pods used, the time of planting and the temperature of the place. Pineapples usually mature 5 months after flowering, so pineapples take 18 to 24 months to ripen. In pineapple cultivation, if the plants flower at different times, it will lead to a smaller and longer harvest. That is why it is important to plant seeds of the same age and size at the same time.
For those who do commercial pineapple production (commercial pineapple production) they use Ethrel (@ 100 ppm) chemicals one month before they start to flower so that many plants can flower for one week, at least 80% of all plants.
Harvest when the pineapple core has turned golden yellow. Cut a cm long pineapple stem. 30 when it is attached to the pineapple and reduce the leaves of its filter.
Pineapple care
Store pineapple in a cool place with the stem facing up. Be sure to sell the pineapple immediately or 2 to 3 days after harvesting to maintain its quality.
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