Abstract
ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of irrigation depth on the commercial production of ornamental pineapple in pots. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse located in Fortaleza, in the state of Ceara, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomised, with five treatments and four replications. The treatments were irrigation depths estimated at 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150% of the evapotranspiration of a crop of edible pineapple. The plants were grown in one litre pots, with supplementary irrigation every two days. The variables evaluated were: number of leaves; length and width of the 'D’ leaf; diameter of the rosette; plant height; rate of flowering; length and diameter of the peduncle, syncarp and crown; crown to syncarp ratio; commercial productivity and water-use efficiency. An increase in irrigation depth produced a linear increase in the number of leaves, width of the 'D' leaf and rosette diameter, but had no effect on the other variables. Water-use efficiency decreased linearly with the increases in irrigation depth. Despite influencing leaf growth, each irrigation depth results in plants suitable for commercialisation in pots. The smallest irrigation depth gives the greatest economy and water-use efficiency.
Highlights
The production chain for flowers and ornamental plants in Brazil is a branch of agribusiness with great potential for expansion in the global market (Junqueira & Peetz, 2017)
Considering the importance of the crop for agribusiness, and the lack of information on irrigation, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different irrigation depths, which were estimated based on the water consumption of edible pineapple, on the commercial production of potted ornamental pineapple grown in a protected environment
Supplementary drip-irrigation at water depths between 50 and 150% of the ETc of edible pineapple influences leaf growth only in ornamental pineapple grown in pots in a greenhouse with anti-aphid screen
Summary
The production chain for flowers and ornamental plants in Brazil is a branch of agribusiness with great potential for expansion in the global market (Junqueira & Peetz, 2017). Among tropical ornamental plants commercialised both domestically and internationally, the ornamental pineapple is important. This importance can be explained by its exotic appearance, durability (Costa Junior et al, 2016; Lima et al, 2017) and use in the flower and foliage, landscaping and gardening, and potted-plant sectors (Souza et al, 2012; 2014). This variety is usually grown in the open to produce ‘cut flowers’ (Souza et al, 2012). The growing global importance of the flower and potted-plant sector has created a promising market for the commercialisation of ornamental pineapple in pots (Pereira et al, 2018)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
