How is pineapple grown on the plantations of Costa Rica?
Pineapple is a tropical fruit that is exported all over the world. There are some of the largest exporters of this exotic fruit to the world market. Brazil occupies the first place among these countries, it exports more than 50 thousand tons of this fruit per year. The main importers of Brazilian pineapple are countries in Asia and Oceania, such as:
- Japan;
- Mongolia;
- Australia.
Brazil also conquered the US market.
Thailand and the Philippines share the Russian market. Thailand supplies pineapples to Vietnam, Spain and Italy. The Philippines conquered the markets of England, Sweden and Scotland.
Until 2010, China grew pineapples only for its own consumption, but very quickly began to enter the world market. Now China supplies pineapples to the land of the rising sun and to the European market in France, the Czech Republic and other countries. Analysts believe that by 2020, China will take the first place among suppliers of tropical fruits, in particular pineapple, to other countries.
Conditions for growing pineapple
Growing pineapple requires certain conditions. To maximize the survival of the plant, the plantation workers plant the crowns of the fruit in loose sandy or sandy loam soil. Planting seedlings is done manually, as they have a very delicate structure and most of the processes on the plantation cannot be automated, but requires special human skills. An experienced worker can plant up to a quarter of a hectare per day using only a special shovel for digging holes.
Pineapple takes root only in southern countries, where there are practically no rains and cloudy days. Pineapple can withstand temperatures from 18ABOUTFrom to 35ABOUTC. If the temperature range is too low, the pineapple will be sour. If pineapple grows in a region where the temperature does not drop below 28ABOUTC, then the fruit will pick up too much sugar.
The ideal temperature for growing pineapple is from 23ABOUTFrom to 25ABOUTFROM.
It takes 2 years from planting to first flowering. A two-year-old pineapple throws out an inflorescence of purple-red flowers. To speed up the flowering of pineapple on the plantation, it is treated with a special gas. The use of ethylene enables workers to harvest the entire fruit crop at the same time.
Skilled workers sort pineapples according to the principle of quality. First grade pineapples are exported to the world market. The second grade of pineapple is supplied to the domestic market. The third is used for the production of candied fruits and preservation. The fourth quality grade is harvested for a new crop, and fruits of this quality are also processed.