Application of GA3 and harvest season interfere in pineapple yield and fruit quality

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of GA3 (gibberellic acid) application on growing pineapple ‘Pérola’ fruits, and also the harvest season on yield, and fruit quality. The experimental design used was randomized blocks in 5×2 factorial design, being the first factor the application of GA3, and the second the harvest season, totaling in 10 treatments with four replicates, in split-plot plots. The treatments tested were: 1) GA3 application after the appearance of the first flower open on the inflorescence; 2) application of GA3 after the closing of the flowers in the inflorescence; 3) application of GA3 45 days before the first harvest; 4) two applications of GA3: one after the closing of flowers and another 45 days before the first fruits harvest; and 5) without application of GA3. Two harvest seasons were evaluated: 150 and 180 days after the floral induction. The phytoregulator Pro-Gibb® in a concentration of 200 mg L-1 of GA3 was adopted. The variables assessments were: fruit length with crown and without, crown length and mass, crownless fruit mass, average fruit mass and yield, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, and pH of the juice. The harvest of pineapple fruits held 180 days after floral induction, combined with an application of GA3 45 days before the harvest, provided greater yield while maintaining and improving the quality of pineapple ‘Pérola’ fruits. The use of GA3 did not influence the pineapple yield when the harvest is performed early, i.e. 150 days after flower induction.