Pineapple plants are propagated primarily using specific vegetative parts collected from the parent plant.
Based on the provided reference, the common methods involve collecting specific plant parts as seedlings.
Main Propagation Methods
Pineapple propagation relies on vegetative methods, using parts that can grow into new, independent plants. According to the reference, the following parts are used:
- Suckers: Shoots that emerge from the base of the plant.
- Slips: Small shoots that grow below the fruit on the fruit stalk.
- Hapas: Shoots that emerge from the underground stem (often used interchangeably or grouped with suckers depending on definition).
- Crowns: The leafy top of the pineapple fruit.
These parts are collected to start new pineapple plants.
Collection Process
The reference states that suckers, slips, hapas, and crowns are always collected for use as seedlings [5]-[13]. The collection typically happens one month after the fruits have been harvested from the parent plant. During this month, the suckers, slips, and hapas continue to grow, making them suitable for collection.
Yield
A single pineapple plant yields a limited number of these propagules. The reference notes that there are usually only about 10 to 20 suckers, slips, and hapas available from each plant after fruit harvest. Crowns are obtained directly from harvested fruits.
Summary of Propagules
Here are the plant parts used for pineapple propagation as mentioned in the reference:
- Suckers
- Slips
- Hapas
- Crowns
These vegetative parts provide a reliable way to produce new plants that are genetically identical to the parent, ensuring desirable traits are maintained.
