D. P. Bartholomew

Inflorescence and fruit development and yield.

The reproductive phase of pineapple begins in response to natural or growth-regulator forced induction of reproductive development. Because the inflorescence of pineapple is terminal, when reproductive development begins, formation of new leaves ceases. Once induced or forced, inflorescence and fruit development continues without interruption until the fruit matures. This chapter describes pineapple inflorescence and fruit morphology as well as growth and ripening. Factors affecting induction and inflorescence development are explained, which include cultivar sensitiviy, photoperiod, solar radiation and assorted stresses such as temperature, nutrients primarily nitrogen, and water availability. The forced induction of flowering and the prevention of natural flowering are also discussed, as well as the molecular biology of flowering. In addition, the prediction of fruit development and yield, and the factors influencing fruit quality at harvest are discussed.