Pineapples are a popular tropical fruit. Beyond their initial harvest, these plants can produce multiple fruit cycles from a single planting. This sustainable approach allows growers to continue yielding fruit without constant replanting.
What is Pineapple Ratooning
Ratooning is the horticultural practice of allowing new shoots, known as ratoons or suckers, to emerge from the base of a pineapple plant after its primary fruit has been harvested. These new growths then develop into mature plants capable of producing subsequent fruit crops. Ratooning maximizes the productivity of existing pineapple plants, significantly reducing the labor and cost associated with preparing new planting material and establishing new fields. This method leverages the established root system of the mother plant to support future generations of fruit.
Steps for Successful Ratooning
After the main pineapple fruit has been harvested, prepare the plant for ratooning to encourage new growth. Prune the spent fruit stalk, cutting it back to about 2 to 3 inches above the ground or just above the uppermost leaves. This directs the plant’s energy towards developing new vegetative growth.
Next, select one or two vigorous suckers emerging from the base of the plant. These lateral shoots will become the next fruit-bearing plants. Strong, healthy suckers, approximately 12 to 18 inches tall, are ideal candidates. Remove any weaker or excess suckers to concentrate the plant’s resources into the chosen ratoon. Ensure the soil around the base is clear of debris and lightly cultivated to promote better aeration and root development.
Optimizing Ratoon Crop Care
Caring for ratoon pineapple crops requires specific attention to their nutritional and environmental needs for healthy development and fruit production. Adjust fertilization schedules, with an increased emphasis on potassium, which is crucial for fruit development and quality. Apply a balanced fertilizer with a higher potassium ratio, such as an NPK blend like 8-2-12, every 2-3 months after the initial harvest.
Watering practices should focus on consistency, providing deep watering when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. While pineapples are drought-tolerant, consistent moisture supports optimal growth, especially during fruit development. Pest and disease management for ratoon plants involves continued vigilance, as older plants can accumulate more issues. Maintaining good air circulation and promptly addressing any signs of pests or diseases helps keep the plants healthy.
Advantages and Limitations of Ratooning
Ratooning offers several advantages for pineapple cultivation, primarily revolving around efficiency and cost savings. A significant benefit is the reduced need for new planting material, which saves on procurement costs and labor. Ratoon crops also mature and produce fruit more quickly than newly planted pineapples, often yielding a harvest 6 to 12 months sooner. This accelerated growth cycle allows for more frequent harvests and efficient land utilization.
However, the ratooning method also presents certain limitations. Successive ratoon crops often exhibit a gradual decrease in fruit size and overall yield compared to the initial harvest. The plant’s vigor can decline over time, potentially leading to increased susceptibility to pests and diseases as the plant ages. Typically, a pineapple plant can produce only two to three viable ratoon crops before its productivity diminishes, necessitating eventual replanting for optimal yields.