Diseases of Pineapple: A Grower’s Guide
Pineapples are one of the most beloved tropical fruits, known for their sweet, tangy taste and refreshing juiciness. Whether you grow them commercially or in your backyard, one thing is certain—pineapples, like all plants, are vulnerable to diseases. If you’ve ever noticed spots on your pineapple leaves, a strange fuzz growing on the fruit, or stunted plant growth, you might be dealing with one of the many diseases that affect pineapples. This guide will take you through the most common diseases of pineapple , how to identify them, and what you can do to prevent or treat them. Let’s dive into it.
1. Diseases of Pineapple: Heart Rot (Phytophthora spp.)
What It Looks Like:
Heart rot is one of the most serious pineapple diseases. It primarily affects young pineapple plants, causing the central leaves to wilt and easily pull out when touched. As the disease progresses, the plant’s core may turn black and rot.
Causes:
Heart rot is caused by a soil-borne fungus, Phytophthora spp. This fungus thrives in poorly drained, waterlogged soil.
Prevention & Treatment:
- Plant pineapples in well-draining soil.
- Avoid overwatering.
- Use fungicides like metalaxyl to control the disease if it appears.
2. Diseases of Pineapple: Bacterial Heart Rot and Fruit Collapse
What It Looks Like:
The leaves at the center of the plant wilt and collapse, and the fruit may rot from the inside out. A foul smell often accompanies the rotting fruit.
Causes:
This disease is caused by Erwinia chrysanthemi, a bacterium that thrives in warm, humid conditions.
Prevention & Treatment:
- Avoid wounding plants, as bacteria enter through cuts.
- Use copper-based bactericides.
- Make sure the plants are spaced properly for air circulation.
3. Diseases of Pineapple: Black Rot (Thielaviopsis paradoxa)
What It Looks Like:
Black rot affects pineapple fruit, causing it to turn black and soft. It often starts at the base of the fruit and spreads upwards.
Causes:
This fungal disease occurs when harvested fruit is exposed to excessive moisture or rough handling.
Prevention & Treatment:
- Handle fruit carefully to avoid bruising.
- Store collected pineapples in a cool, dry location.
- Use post-harvest fungicides if necessary.
4. Diseases of Pineapple: Fusariosis (Fusarium subglutinans f. sp. ananas)
What It Looks Like:
Fusariosis affects both the leaves and the fruit, causing wilting and deformities. The fruit may develop a dry rot inside.
Causes:
This disease is caused by the Fusarium fungus and spreads through infected planting material and soil.
Prevention & Treatment:
- Use disease-free planting material.
- Apply fungicides like thiophanate-methyl.
- Rotate crops to prevent soil infection.
5. Diseases of Pineapple: Mealybug Wilt of Pineapple
What It Looks Like:
Leaves turn reddish and wilt, eventually leading to plant death. The fruit may also shrink and become discolored.
Causes:
Mealybugs feed on pineapple plants, spreading viruses that cause wilt disease.
Prevention & Treatment:
- Control mealybugs with insecticides.
- Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
- Remove and destroy infected plants.
6. Diseases of Pineapple: Yellow Spot Virus
What It Looks Like:
Yellow streaks and spots appear on leaves, reducing plant vigor and fruit production.
Causes:
This disease is spread by thrips, tiny insects that feed on pineapple leaves.
Prevention & Treatment:
- Control thrips with insecticidal sprays.
- Use resistant varieties if available.
- Remove infected plants to prevent spread.
7. Gummosis (Ceratocystis paradoxa)
What It Looks Like:
Dark, gummy lesions appear on the stem and fruit. The affected area becomes soft and may ooze a brown liquid.
Causes:
This fungal disease thrives in warm, humid conditions and enters plants through wounds.
Prevention & Treatment:
- Avoid injuring plants during cultivation.
- Use sterilized tools.
- Apply fungicides if symptoms appear.
Final Thoughts
Pineapple diseases can be a headache for growers, but with proper management, they can be controlled. The best approach is always prevention—healthy soil, proper drainage, and pest control will go a long way in keeping your pineapples disease-free. If you spot early signs of disease, quick action can save your crop.
By understanding these common pineapple diseases and how to deal with them, you can ensure a bountiful and healthy harvest.
References
- Rohrbach, K.G., & Apt, W.J. (1986). “Diseases of Pineapple.” Annual Review of Phytopathology, 24(1), 257-274.
- Lim, T.K. (2012). “Edible Medicinal and Non-Medicinal Plants: Volume 1, Fruits.” Springer Science & Business Media.
- Ramos, L.J., & de Lima, J. (2003). “Pineapple: Postharvest Science.” CAB International.
