Effect of growth substrate on macro-propagation of pineapple ( <i>Ananas comosus</i> L.) via crown and main stem sections

This study aimed to examine the phenological and physiological variations in the root-shoot dynamics of pineapple plantlets produced through main stem and crown-based macro-propagation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the suitability of various substrates for main stem and crown-based propagation to optimize plantlet development during the nursery stage. The main stem and crown stem sections of pineapple were propagated using coco peat (CCP), sand (SD), and burnt paddy husk (BPH) in various ratios. The main stem-based planting materials showed superior growth during the nursery stage, with higher leaves, relative growth rates, and fewer discarded plantlets than crown-based materials. The CCP+BPH (1:2) substrate significantly improved growth in crown-based materials by enhancing plantlet uniformity, chlorophyll content, total leaf area, and the relative growth rate. The CCP+BPH (1:2) substrate effectively mitigated the inherent slow growth and development associated with crown-based planting materials, proving advantageous for enhancing overall growth and development during the nursery stage. These improvements were attributed to the significantly increased root surface area and volume. The optimal physicochemical conditions in the CCP+BPH/1:2 substrate contributed to superior root development, promoting overall plant vigor in the crown-based planting materials. This study underscores the importance of substrate selection in macro-propagation, highlighting the potency of CCP+BPH/1:2 in enhancing the growth and uniformity of pineapple crown-based planting materials. Additionally, the use of pineapple crowns, which are often discarded in the industry, further enhances sustainability and cost efficiency. These findings offer valuable insights into optimizing macropropagation techniques, potentially improving productivity in pineapple cultivation.