Abstract
Vermicompost is a nutrient-rich organic waste produced from earthworms that is beneficial in enhancing the soil condition and has been reported to aid in improving the crop yield and quality. In the present study, a field trial was conducted using a randomized complete block design with four replicates to elucidate the effects of vermicompost application (compared to supplementation with chemical fertilizer and no fertilizer) on the productivity of ex vitro MD2 pineapple plants. Vermicompost was applied on the sandy loam soils at transplanting followed by a second application at 7 months after planting (MAP) at the rate of 10 t·ha−1, while chemical fertilizer was applied based on the recommended cultivation practice. Data analysis revealed that there was no significant difference between the plants treated with vermicompost and chemical fertilizer in terms of the plant height, number of leaves, length and width of D-leaves, stomatal density and stomatal size. However, the fruits produced with vermicompost amendment were smaller in size but contained higher total soluble solids, titratable acidity, total solids, ascorbic acid and total chlorophyll content compared to the fruits produced from plants supplied with chemical fertilizer. Based on the DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays, the methanolic fruit extracts from the control plants showed the highest antioxidant potential, followed by those of plants treated with vermicompost and chemical fertilizer. On the other hand, the application of vermicompost reduced soil acidity and produced macro- and micronutrient contents (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, S, Fe, Zn, B and Al) in the soil and plants that were comparable to or higher than those produced by the chemical fertilizer treatment. However, some of the nutrient contents observed in all treatments were lower than the recommended range for pineapple plant growth, suggesting that vermicompost or chemical fertilizer should not be used alone as a source of nutrients for ex vitro MD2 pineapple plants under these soil and field conditions. However, vermicompost can be used as a supplement to increase the fruit chemical quality and maintain the soil quality for agricultural sustainability.
Highlights
Pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr) is the leading edible member of the Bromeliaceae family.In terms of its importance in global production, it ranks second among four major fresh tropical fruits, where it comes after mango and is followed by papaya and avocado [1]
The experimental design was arranged in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three treatments and four replicates consisting of ex vitro pineapple plants supplemented with vermicompost (EPV), ex vitro pineapple plants supplemented with chemical fertilizer (EPF) and control ex vitro pineapple plants not supplied with any chemical fertilizers or vermicompost products (EPC)
analysis of variance (ANOVA), it was shown that the height of ex vitro plants supplemented with vermicompost (EPV)
Summary
Pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr) is the leading edible member of the Bromeliaceae family. In terms of its importance in global production, it ranks second among four major fresh tropical fruits, where it comes after mango and is followed by papaya and avocado [1]. In Malaysia, the production of pineapple is dominated by N36, Josapine, MD2 and Moris varieties [2]. Pineapple (Ananas comosus) has been listed as one of seven high-value nonseasonal tropical fruits (alongside jackfruit, starfruit, banana, rock melon and papaya) prioritized for production for premium market under Malaysia’s National Key Economic Areas (NKEA) for agriculture and the Economic. Transformation Program (ETP) [3]. This is due to its robust international demand and significant domestic consumption, as well as its various quality characteristics. It is reported to have sweeter taste, blemish-free flesh, high fiber content, cylindrical shape with solid golden-yellow pulp, a very pleasant aroma when ripe, low acidity (0.4–0.45%) and longer shelf life compared to other varieties [4,5]
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