Evaluation of three ‘piping-leaf’ pineapple hybrids

Y.K. Chan and H.K. Lee

Abstract

Three introduced ‘piping-leaf’ pineapple hybrids viz. 53-116, 73-50 and 59-656 were evaluated with Josapine and AF3-8 as controls. The ‘piping-leaf’ hybrids were completely spineless along the leaf margins compared with the control genotypes which have spines at the tip of the leaves. The hybrids were not productive in ground and aerial suckers, thus crop ratooning with these hybrids may be difficult. The hybrids excelled in resistance to flesh blemishes and have high soluble solids content ranging from 13.9–16.3%. The most promising was 73-50 which was 76% higher yielding than Josapine, primarily due to good response to flower induction, resistance to heart rot and good fruit size. This genotype has the potential to replace Gandul in the canning industry and may also have a place in the fresh fruit market because of its high sugar and low acid contents.

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