The effect of certain micronutrient elements on the growth and yield of pineapple plants

Abstract

Pineapple plants were grown in nutrient solutions from uniform and healthy slips used as the propagating organ. The solutions were prepared with a mixture of macronutrient elements containing ammonia and nitrate nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and sulfur. The solutions proved to be good for the growth of pineapples. Fourteen different treatments of the micronutriont elements: iron, manganese, boron, zinc, copper and aluminum, were used in triplicate. Combinations of these elements were made in order to trace their effect, either toxic or beneficial, on pineapple plant growth and production, on root growth, on flowering and fruiting, and on the quality of the fruit. The antidoting effect of iron against the chlorosis-producing action of manganese was also studied. Plants also were grown without adding micron atrient elements to the nutrient solution.