Effect of phosphorus sources, levels and application methods on pineapple culture

Abstract

The effect of different levels and methods of phosphorus application on pineapple were investigated. The treatments consisted of three sources of P (triple superphosphate, Yoorin thermophosphate and natural phosphate at three levels (1.5, 3.0 and 4.5 g of P₂O₅/plant) and two forms of application (applied at planting time and by coverage. The statistical design was a factorial 3 x 3 x 2 + 1 arrangement in randomized blocks with four replications. The average fruit weight with crown and acid content with P application were increased in relation to the control without P. Higher yield, higher acid content in the fruit and of P in the leaves, and higher number of shifts per plant were obtained with 3.0 g of P₂O₅ per plant.