Yield and Quality of Fruits of Pineapple Cultivars Treated With CPA With Respect to Planting Date and Density

This study was carried out to evaluate the yield and quality of pineapple fruits of the cultivars MD2, Smooth Cayenne, and Cabezona from plants treated with 2‐(3‐chlorophenoxy) propionic acid (CPA) in the humid tropics of Mexico with respect to three planting dates and two planting densities. The experimental design used was a scheme in sub‐subdivided plots with four replications. The pineapple cultivars were established on three planting dates (February 28, April 28, and June 28, 2022) at two planting densities, that is, those typically used at the regional level (Density 1: MD2 and Smooth Cayenne, 36,000 plants ha −1 ; Cabezona, 26,500 plants ha −1 ), and an increase of 28% in the number of plants planted in Density 1 for each cultivar (Density 2). For floral inhibition, 120 g CPA ha −1 was applied at each density and divided into three applications every 10 days beginning on October 20, 2022. The results revealed that the fruit yield and concentration of total flavonoids were not affected by the planting date, but the fruit/crown ratio, pH, °Brix, percentage of citric acid, maturity index, and total polyphenol concentration (TPC) were. The planting density significantly affected the yield, pH, and maturity index. The yield of the cultivars in Density 2 was 33% higher than that in Density 1, even though the fruits weighed 3.5% less and exhibited decreased °Brix and maturity index values. The fruits harvested from October to November (planting date June 28) presented the highest TPC (89.76 mg 100 g FF −1 ). Among the cultivars, MD2 and Cabezona presented the highest TPC. It is concluded that it is possible to produce pineapples in seasons of product shortage by modifying the dates and planting density without affecting the quality of the product.