Pineapple slip production using the morphactin Multi-prop applied after flower induction with different chemicals

Abstract

Multi-prop applied at 6 or 12 mg a.i. per plant after induction produced from 7-35 slips per plant compared with the usual 0-3. Treatment times ranged from 0-8 weeks with maximum slip numbers at 4 and 6 weeks, Individual slip mass decreased as slip numbers increased. Many slips were too small for field planting, mainly from the later treatment times and higher Multi-prop rate. The slips were borne on the fruit, especially for the later treatment times, and on the fruit peduncle. Slip production was more consistent after flower induction with ethephon or SNA (sodium salt of naphthalene acetic acid) than with BOH (beta hydroxyethyl hydrazine) or ethylene gas. Multi-prop at 12 mg a.i. per plant applied 1 week after induction gave in excess of 12 slips suitable for field planting. Use of Multi-prop for commercial slip production is discussed.