Fruit Morphological Response of F200 Pineapple Ananas comosus (L.) Merr as Influenced by Gibberellic Acid Application and Calcium Supplements
Freddie D. Cuambot *
Graduate School, College of Agriculture and Related Sciences, University of Southeastern Philippines, Tagum-Mabini Campus, Apokon, Tagum City, Philippines.
Cesar A. Limbaga Jr. *
Graduate School, College of Agriculture and Related Sciences, University of Southeastern Philippines, Tagum-Mabini Campus, Apokon, Tagum City, Philippines.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The study investigated the influence of different levels of Gibberellic Acid (GA3) applied alone or in combination with Calcium from field production and fruit growth development of F200 pineapple. Pineapple plants applied with GA3 alone at any level from 100 to 300ppm and calcium by 10ml to 20ml/li delayed the days of maturity at 13 days and 2 days, respectively. Application of GA3 increased fruit edible portion, number of fruitlets and width of center fruitlet (mm), fruit weight, and crown length at harvestable age. Fruits of pineapple plants sprayed with GA3 at 300ppm were heavier than fruits of pineapple plants sprayed at 100ppm of GA3 to about 2.54 kg and 1.52 kg with and without crown, respectively. The pineapple's crown length improved by combining the application of GA3 at 300 ppm and calcium at 20ml/li.
Keywords: Ananas comosus, gibberellic acid, calcium, fruit morphology