Pineapple Development Research Articles

Morphological characterization of pineapple (Ananas comosus) genetic resources from Benin

Introduction – The narrow knowledge of the genetic variability in cultivated pineapple in the Republic of Benin and in other West African countries limits its efficient use and its expansion in the international market; it also hinders the efficient development of pineapple while the crop is listed among the top three priority fruit species to be promoted in Africa. Materials and methods – In this study, we assessed pineapple morphological diversity of 55 accessions collected in Benin. Ten qualitative and twenty quantitative traits were used to describe them. Stepwise discriminant analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were performed to identify quantitative morphological traits which best differentiate accessions and group them into cultivars/morphotypes. Results and discussion – Five pineapple cultivars were identified and characterized for Benin, including 'Smooth Cayenne', 'Baronne de Rothschild', 'Perola', 'Singapore Spanish', and 'Green Spanish'. We observed significant morphological variation among the cultivars. The collected materials were grouped in three clusters based on flowering date, fruit diameter, fruit shelf life, water content, leaf width, fruit weight and the crown height and weight. Correlation analyses between descriptors revealed positive relationships between fruits weight, peduncle diameter, and conicity index in 'Cayenne' and 'Spanish'. Conclusion – This study showed the existence of clear morphological variation among pineapple cultivars which could be used for fruit improvement through clonal selection and farmer training on propagule production and crop homogeneity. 'Singapore Spanish' and 'Green Spanish' could be promoted for their attractive shell color and long shelf life.

Ecological planning for the conservation and development of pineapple (Ananas comosus) in Tan Phuoc district, Tien Giang province

Land assessment is a specific requirement for the land use. Land assessment results provide the information on land types and natural conditions (land map units) so that we can evaluate the suitability of the land area for agricultural and non-agricultural use. In agriculture, appropriate crops for the land area are usually designed based on the land assessment data. Ecological planning is a process of assessment, evaluation, and decision in order to help authorities design the ideal, appropriate land area and land arrangement for agricultural and non-agricultural purposes. Tan Phuoc district in Tien Giang province is a low and alluvial agricultural area of Dong Thap Muoi. In this area, the income of local people depends majorly on agricultural activities. Pineapple (Ananas cosmosus) with its high economic value is widely cultivated in Tan Phuoc and has an important impact on the income of local people. Nevertheless, most of the land area currently used for pineapple production in Tan Phuoc was the land area previously used for cultivation of other crops. Due to this poor land resource planning, the yield of pineapple was low, and the land and environment were polluted. An adequate land assessment for Tan Phuoc is therefore highly needed so that an ecological planning for pineapple would be properly to improve the yield of pineapple, conserve the environment and support the sustainable development in Tan Phuoc.

Genotypic and environmental effects on the level of ascorbic acid, phenolic compounds and related gene expression during pineapple fruit development and ripening

Pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) is a non-climacteric tropical fruit whose ripening could be accompanied by oxidative processes and the concurrent activation of enzymatic and non-enzymatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging systems. To better understand the variability of these processes among climatic environments or genotypes in pineapple, the temporal expression dynamics for genes encoding oxidative and antioxidative stress enzymes were analyzed by real-time RT-PCR during fruit development and ripening, among three cultivars: Queen Victoria, Flhoran 41 and MD-2 hybrid, and in two climatic areas. Pineapple development and ripening involved changes in the levels of transcripts encoding for polyphenol oxidase and transcripts involved in the first steps of the phenylpropanoid pathway and in the balance of ROS, especially those encoding for ascorbate peroxydase and metallothioneins, regardless of the cultivar. Our results confirm the same dynamic in gene expression from the two environmental crop areas, however climatic conditions influenced the level of the expression of the major transcripts studied that were linked to these oxidative and antioxidant metabolisms. MT3a and MT3b transcripts were not influenced by genetic factor. The genetic effect was not significant on the various transcripts linked to the first steps of the phenylpropanoid pathway and to phenol oxidation, except 4CL ones. In ripe pineapple, highly significant relationships were found between the contents in antioxidant metabolites, i.e., ascorbic acid and total phenolic compounds, and the transcript levels of genes involved in the enzymatic ROS-scavenging system and in the biosynthesis or regeneration of ROS-scavenging compounds, like phenylpropanoids, ascorbic acid, metallothioneins.

Características y productividad de una planta MAC, Agave tequilana desarrollada con fertigación en Tamaulipas, México


 
 
 En el cultivo de Agave tequilana, los estudios se han restringido a una parte de su largo ciclo y a periodos cortos de tiempo, por tal razón, con el objetivo de evaluar las características agronómicas en planta y piña en un ciclo completo de la planta, se establecieron hijuelos provenientes de Jalisco en el sur de Tamaulipas en tres condiciones: a) en temporal y sin fertilizante (TA); b) fertigación, además de la precipitación, recibieron agua y nutrimentos (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, y micronutrimentos) mediante un sistema de riego por goteo; y c) FB+fertigación, adicional a lo anterior, éstas plantas recibieron fertilización de base (FB), con N, P, K y micronutrimentos, cada tratamiento tuvo tres repeticiones. Se realizaron ocho evaluaciones destructivas utilizando una planta por unidad experimental, septiembre 2004, febrero del 2005, octubre de 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 y 2010. Las plantas desarrolladas con fertigación y fb+fertigación, en promedio superaron en 26% y 57% la altura y número de hojas de plantas del TA, respectivamente; la mayor producción de Materia Seca (MS) anual fue 51.8 t ha-1, estimándose un total de biomasa por planta de 491.4 y 456.1 t ha-1 y 218.1 y 252.4 t ha-1 en la piña, respectivamente. En plantas del TA la biomasa total fue 97 t ha-1 y un rendimiento de piña de 46.5 t ha-1. En piña los azúcares evaluados en oBrix y azúcares reductores totales (ART) no fueron afectados por los tratamientos. La concentración de ART en la piña fluctuó entre 26.8 y 29%. La concentración de glucosa y fructosa fue similar en etapas iniciales de desarrollo de la piña; Sin embargo, al final del ciclo durante la etapa de máximo crecimiento el valor medio en la concentración de fructosa fue de 246.8 g por kg MS de piña y representó 88% de los dos monosacáridos solubles evaluados, la glucosa presentó un comportamiento inverso y representó el restante 12%.
 
 

Identification, Characterization and Expression Profiles of Dof Transcription Factors in Pineapple (Ananas comosus L)

DNA binding with one finger (Dof) transcription factors (TF) family is a class of plant specific transcription factors and has crucial roles in development of different tissues and response to stresses. Using GWAS we identified twenty six Dof genes located on 16 pineapple chromosomes. Dof family genes were distributed into five groups and contain highly conserved motif. High expression of AcoDof1, AcoDof12, AcoDof26 (root), AcoDof9, AcoDof22, AcoDof19 (fruit), AcoDof23, AcoDof25 (ovule), AcoDof11, AcoDof17 and AcoDof20 (petal) were found in RNA-Seq analysis. RNA-Seq data also suggest that Dof genes could have important role in female gametophyte development of pineapple. Expression analysis using qRT-PCR of pineapple Dof genes family under different abiotic stress (cold, heat, salt, drought) showed a dynamic response of Dof genes. AcoDof1 was up-regulated at 48 h treatment in all four abiotic stresses, while AcoDof20 was up-regulated at 24 h of treatment. Moreover, AcoDof8, AcoDof12, AcoDof2 were up-regulated by salinity stress. Dof genes expression during abiotic stress reveals their vital role for pineapple growth and development which could be utilized agronomically. Present study provides a framework for future studies related to the functions of Dof genes in pineapple.

Sociotechnical Conditions for Introducing New Variety of Pineapple: Study of Area Development Program in Kediri District

In order to expand the pineapple market, the government introduced a new variety to Kediri District in 2011. The pineapple market was expanded successfully, but the supply of the new variety was not able to meet the demand, owing to the low production. This study describes the socio-technical aspects of the new variety introduction. The data were collected in two villages in Ngancar Sub-District, providing 86 samples of pineapple farmer households. From the result, for developing pineapple, new variety introduction which promises economic benefit needs to be conducted. Making sufficient seedling available in the early stage of new variety diffusion is substantial. In addition, the role of extension personnel and other parties, e.g. cooperatives, is important to supporting pineapple development.

Modeling sugar content of pineapple under agro-climatic conditions on Reunion Island

A process-based model simulating the change in total soluble solids (TSS (%)) in fruit flesh was developed to describe the effect of climatic conditions on the sugar content of 'Queen Victoria' pineapple at harvest on Reunion Island. Sugar content varies throughout fruit development according to three processes (the supply of carbohydrates to the fruit, fruit metabolism, and dilution) which are affected by environmental factors, mainly temperature, rainfall and fertilization. The ecophysiological model of soluble sugar accumulation was linked to SIMPINA, a crop model that accurately predicts the daily increases in flesh dry and fresh weight. When the process-based model and crop model were linked, the dry and fresh matter of the pineapple flesh, as affected by climatic conditions, could be used as inputs to predict the TSS (%) at harvest. The relative rate of transformation of carbon as sugars in the fruit flesh for the synthesis of compounds other than sugars was estimated during fruit growth. TSS (%) were compared for harvested fruit grown under eight agro-climatic conditions. In the flesh of fruit harvested close to maturity, i.e., at 1400 degree-days after flowering, TSS (%) were significantly related (r2 = 0.55, P < 0.001) to total soluble sugar content. The variability of TSS (%) between the eight agro-climatic groups ranged from 16.9 for pineapples grown in dry locations irrigated, under N-deficit conditions to 19.4 for pineapples grown in dry locations, without irrigation and without N deficiency. The variability of TSS (%) was substantial within each of the eight agro-climatic groups: standard deviations ranged from 0.9 to 1.5 for pineapples grown in dry locations, irrigated, without N deficiency and in dry locations, without irrigation and without N deficiency, respectively. For data from 14 experiments conducted under different climatic conditions, N fertilization, and irrigation conditions, the model predicted the TSS (%) at harvest with an RRMSE of 0.04. By linking this sugar model to the SIMPINA crop model, the impact of environmental conditions and cultural practices on the growth and development of pineapple are taken into account to predict the gustatory quality of pineapple grown on Reunion Island. The model could have a practical application to manage fruit quality, plan harvest, and marketing. (Resume d'auteur)

Estimating root length density of pineapple (Ananas comosus(L.) Merr.) from root counts on soil profiles in Martinique (French West Indies)

Introduction. New ecological agricultural practices contribute to improved pest management and root development of pineapple, but tools to quantify the root development in cultural profiles in situ are lacking. The spatial distribution of the root length density (RLD) is a key factor for the absorption of water and nutrients. A robust model was sought to predict the RLD from the number of intersections of roots per unit area (RID) in a soil profile (trench method). Materials and methods. The procedure was based on the extraction of cubes of 1 dm3 of undisturbed soil on profiles under pineapple plants in triplicate, in which the RID was counted on three perpendicular faces of the cubes and the RLD was measured inside the cubes. Results and discussion. A model predicting the RLD (RLDc) from counting of the RID was developed and successfully tested: RLDc = RID.CO.CE, where CO = 2.65 is an orientation coefficient, and CE = 1.69 is an empirical coefficient. These two coefficients are fixed. Conclusion. The model allows an estimate of pineapple RLD and its spatial variability from simple counts of roots on a soil profile. A practical example of this model is given, characterizing and comparing in situ root profiles of pineapple plants. (Resume d'auteur)

Micronutrients affecting leaf biochemical responses during pineapple development

An adequate mineral nutrition is essential for the development and productivity of pineapple. However, little is known about the nutritional and metabolic changes that occur in this crop in response to micronutrient deficiency or excess, particularly on tropical conditions. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the application effects of micronutrients in soil and in leaf on biochemical responses of leaves during the development cycle of the pineapple crop. Samples were collected at 3, 6, 9, 12, and 17 months after transplantation. Leaf soluble carbohydrates and N-aminosoluble compounds were determined, as well as variations in the titratable acidity and pH. The soil and leaf micronutrient application increased the concentrations of carbohydrates and N-aminosoluble and reduced the leaf pH, and the changes were more significant in the last sampling (17 months after transplantation). Reductions in concentrations of carbohydrates and increase in the titratable acidity of the pineapple leaves collected at the end of the night were also observed, a fact that reflects the metabolism of Crassulacean acid metabolism species. The strategy of micronutrient application contributes positively to alter the metabolism of plants of pineapple cv. Victoria, especially during flowering and fruit development.

The effect of soil compaction and soil moisture regime on the growth and development of pineapple ( ananas comosus) in the basement complex soil of Cross river state, Nigeria

The effect of soil compaction and soil moisture regime on the growth and development of pineapple (<i> ananas comosus</i>) in the basement complex soil of Cross river state, Nigeria

GLOBAL NETWORK FOR PINEAPPLE RESEARCH

Like many other commodities, pineapple market is now worldwide and highly competitive. However, resources for pineapple research have significantly decreased these last years in numerous countries, probably in relation to lower profits. In addition, public research does not always meet private needs for pineapple development. Biotechnologies might provide solutions to specific problems such as particular pest and disease susceptibility, flowering control or fruit quality. Countries like USA and Australia have already invested significantly in this area for several years. However, genetic engineering requires major investment and intellectual, and germplasm property issues are still controversial on a world scale. In the present context of trade globalization, solutions will not be easy to find. On the other hand, conventional breeding is still of great importance in a context of fresh fruit market growth and diversification. Private ownership of germplasm is a key issue for pineapple trade in general, and more specifically for the integration of the small farmer communities from developing countries in this world trade. Environmental issues are not high priority in most countries. Nevertheless, global pressure on agriculture should rapidly raise these questions in an increasing number of sites. Erosion, nitrogen and pesticide pollution are important risks in pineapple cultivation, and pineapple-based farming systems should evolve significantly in this regard. Collaborative effort is needed to create common tools and rnethodologies in order to set up more environmentally friendly pineapple farming systems adapted to the diversity of environmental and socio-economic conditions. In any case, integration of public effort and private needs (companies, consumers and farmers) should require specific attention in the future. The paper suggests collaborative priorities and mechanisms to enhance cooperation for pineapple research. (Resume d'auteur)

Effect of plant growth regulators on ethylene production, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase activity, and initiation of inflorescence development of pineapple

With the development of pineapple [Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.] as a fresh fruit crop, it became common to force inflorescence development with ethephon [(2-chloroethyl)phosphonic acid] or ethylene throughout the year. Environmental induction (EI) of inflorescence development disrupts scheduling of fruit harvest and may cause significant losses if small plants are induced, resulting in fruits that are too small to be marketable. Our objective was to identify plant growth regulators (PGRs) that could inhibit EI. Because circumstantial evidence indicates that EI occurs in response to naturally produced ethylene or changes in plant sensitivity to it, most work was done with PGRs that inhibit ethylene biosynthesis or block ethylene action. The synthetic auxin 2-(3-chlorophenoxy)propionic acid (CPA) was included because in one study it reduced the percentage of EI. GA3, aminooxyacetic acid (AOA), aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG), daminozide [butanedioic acid mono-(2,2-dimethylhydrazide)], and silver thiosulfate (STS) had no effect on EL CPA, paclobutrazol [(2RS,3RS)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)methyl-4,4-dimethyl-2(1h-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)penten-3-ol], and uniconazole [(E)-(p-chlorophenyl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-1-penten-3-ol] delayed or inhibited EI of pot-grown pineapple plants. Uniconazole and paclobutrazol inhibited growth and ethylene production by leaf basal-white tissue, and either or both effects could account for the inhibition of EI. Production of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) was unaffected by these compounds, but the activity of ACC oxidase, which converts ACC to ethylene, was inhibited and probably accounts for the reduced ethylene production by leaf basal-white tissue. CPA stimulated ethylene production by stem apical tissue approximately fourfold relative to the control. ACC oxidase activity and the malonyl-ACC (MACC) content in stem apical tissue were also greater than in the control, indicating that CPA greatly stimulated the production of ACC and its sequestration into MACC. The mechanism by which CPA delayed or inhibited EI is not known. CPA, paclobutrazol, and uniconazole appear to have some potential for inhibiting EI of pineapple. Their effect on yield needs to be determined.

Carbohydrate Changes in Shoot Tip and Subtending Leaves During Ontogenetic Development of Pineapple

Summary Starch and ethanol-soluble sugar components were determined in the shoot tip and in the achlorophyllous — and chlorophyllous part of the subtending leaves during the ontogeny of the pineapple plant. The changes observed were correlated with rooting process in the propagule, vegetative growth of the plant and the change to the reproductive state inflorescence formation, induced by natural environmental conditions. The carbohydrate distribution pattern in the chlorophyllous leaf part was suggestive of dependence on the metabolic changes in the pineapple shoot apex. A physiological role for the achlorophyllous leaf part has been proposed. The significance of the distribution of carbohydrate between the readily assimilable soluble form (sugars) and the insoluble storage form (starch) has been briefly considered in relation to the tissue and the stage of growth.

Inflorescence Development of Pineapple (Ananas comosus [L.] Merr.) Induced to Flower with Ethephon

The morphology and rate of inflorescence development of pineapple (Ananas comosus [L.] Merr.) induced to flower with ethephon were studied in field-grown plants `Smooth Cayenne.' Flower bract development was evident on day 7 after application of ethephon to the center of the plant. Flower primordia were first observed in the axils of bracts 11 days after ethephon application, and sepal and petal primordia could be clearly distinguished by 22 days after treatment. Initiation of flower primordium ceased by day 34 after treatment. Differentiation of flower bract epidermis, indicated by the development of multicellular trichomes and stomata, began at the tip of bracts about 18 days after treatment while trichome and stomata development on sepal epidermis began about 1 wk later. Reversion of the apex from the production of floral bract primordia to the production of typical vegetative leaf primordia was quite slow. On day 47, 13 days after the last flower primordium had been initiated, typical vegetative leaf ...