Abstract
The present study was conducted at the Horticulture Research Centre of Bangladesh
Agricultural Research Institute, Joydebpur, Gazipur during 2001-2003 in order to
investigate the effects of pre- and post-harvest application of growth regulators and
post-harvest management of fruits on the yield, quality and storage of pineapple. Two
popular and commercially important varieties of pineapple, namely, Giant Kew and
Honey Queen were used in the study. In a field experiment, pre-harvest application of
Ethrel (250 ppm) and CaC2 (10000 ppm) resulted in earlier flowering and reduced crop
duration over control in both the varieties of pineapple. However, application of growth
regulators reduced fruit size and yield. The size of fruit, crop duration and yield were
higher in Giant Kew than Honey Queen. However, TSS and total sugar content and
shelf life were higher in Honey Queen than Giant Kew. Post-harvest experiments
demonstrated significant influence of post-harvest application of growth regulators and
management practice on the storage quality and shelf life of both the varieties of
pineapple. Preservation of fruits either with long stalk or without crown significantly
reduced the weight loss and increased the shelf life of fruits. Fruits preserved with long
stalk had higher TSS, Vitamin C and total sugar contents. Post-harvest application of
NAA increased the TSS, Vitamin C and total sugar contents, reduced weight loss and
increased the shelf life of pineapple in both varieties used. Postharvest application of
500 ppm NAA or 100 ppm GA3 appeared to be optimal for the storage of pineapple
with lower weight loss, longer shelf life and satisfactory quality of fruits during storage.