Pineapple planting period indicated for Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Abstract

The planting period indicated is that where the pineapple, planted at bigger density and at smal ler period possible, produce fruits of good quality and commercial value (>1kg), with smaller cost possible at period favourable to commerce. In others regions the climate (temperature, rainfall etc.) soil moisture, available sprouts, labour force and market define the better period to planting, what in some places is alone the year round. However, in Maquine, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, in June, July and August the air average temperature is 16°C and temperature lower than 21°c, leaf and root has little growing. Sprouts established in this period have their initial growth prejudiced. They stay exposed to plagues, diseases and weeds and the soil is less protected against erosion; increase the cycle and costs of the production. So, the pineapple in RS state may be establish from Aug./Sep.to Mar./Apr. But, whem establishy em Sep./Oct./Nov. and cultivate at high levei technological, a large percentage of the plants willflourish in the first winter. They will produce smal I fruits with harvest at full harvest period and with lower prices. Planting at Dec./Jan./Feb. have a tendency to flourish in the second winter, increase the cicie and costs production. Whitin of the period at what is possibile to plant, Mar. is the best period. There is of sprouts available, temperature and soil moisture allow good establishment of the sprouts and production of good quality fruits and good commercial value at period favourable to commerce (nov./dec.) at short cycle (20-21 months).