Hailed as the sweetest pineapple in the world, the Queen pineapple (QP) from Camarines Norte is not just your average summer staple, it has proven its queenship in the agricultural sector of the country, manifesting new technologies, collaboration, and people empowerment.
During the WD DAR Seminar Series of the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Research held on 21 March 2024 via Streamyard and Facebook Live, Jasmin M. Dacillo of the DA-Bicol Region shared her expertise on the farming system of Queen Pineapple.
According to Dacillo, QP was one of the identity-defining commodities of Camarines Norte, manufactured into various forms such as juice, purée, tarts, and jams. Moreover, the leaves of QP are utilized for pineapple fiber processing, attracting significant interest from international markets such as the United Kingdom. Dacillo also reveals a projected demand value of 27.08 billion USD for QP in the Philippines by 2028, underscoring its pivotal role in the Philippine market.
In her presentation titled, Queen ng Pinyahan: Pineapple-based Farming System, Dacillo shared the systematic process of the DA-BAR funded technology. The process encompasses various stages including selection of planting materials, land preparation, site selection, pests and diseases management, intercropping, and harvesting.
During the selection of planting materials, Dacillo shared that it is important to choose the right size of suckers as it will greatly affect yield.
“Ang recommended po namin ay iyong 51 to 70 centimeters (Medium to Large) po ang length and then, 200 to 399 po yung grams niya… kapag gumamit po tayo nito ay bibigyan po tayo ng magandang yield or mas malaking bunga compared po sa extra-large na kadalasan namumunga sa panahon,” Dacillo explained.
After sorting the sizes of the suckers, the roots section of the suckers must be exposed to sunlight for drying for one week to prevent fungal infections. Dacillo said fungicide application can also be done during this curing phase.
As per the technology presented, QP is planted in a double row planting method (100 cm x 50 cm x 30 cm) and can be cultivated in diverse environments, including under coconut trees, in open fields, and on hilly terrain. Additionally, it can be integrated into intercropping systems with other crops such as peanut, corn, and taro. While the typical harvest period spans 16 to 18 months, intercropping can enable farmers to reap yields as early as 4 months.
Normally, 4 thorough weeding is done during the growing period of QP but if QP is planted intercropped with other commodities, it suppresses the growing of weeds depending on the combination of crops grown together.
“Kapag may intercropping po, mas maganda at nakakatipid po siya, kasi doon sa intercropped namemaintain po ang kalinisan ng area,” Dacillo claimed.
She also recommends applying pre-emergence herbicides such as Diuron or Karmex to suppress the fast growing of weeds in the area.
As common practice, flower induction is done every 10-12 months after planting with the use of plant hormones (Ethephon) and urea. While fruit ripening is done 2-3 days before harvest with Ethrel. Additionally, QPs can also be enhanced with a gibberellic acid solution consisting of 2.5 grams of Berreline 90, small amount of 70% Isopropyl Alcohol, and water.
Dacillo also presented different pest and diseases management techniques for controlling issues affecting QP, which include Pineapple Mealybugs, Birds, June Beetle, Butt Rot, Heart Rot, and Pineapple Wilt.
“Sa pag harvest naman po ng ating pinya, ginagawa po ito 4.5-5 months after flower induction, 4.5 po without growth enhancer, kapag nag spray po ng gibberellic acid ay inaabot po siya ng 5 buwan,” Dacillo explained.
In celebration of Women's Month, DA-BAR invited three female farmer-partners engaged in the project to share their experiences. Among them was Alicia Odiaman, who expressed her utmost appreciation for the project.
“Malaking tulong po sa amin kasi yung mga intercropped po na namumunga sa pinyahan, habang naghihintay kami na mamunga yung pinya, may naaani na kami… Dahil din sa technology na itinuro sa amin, nakapag-ani po kami ng magandang kalidad ng pinya,” Odiaman shared.
According to the project’s cost and return analysis, the intervention yielded an impressive 84.59% return on investment (ROI) specifically for queen pineapples. Additionally, intercropped crops showed significant ROIs: 75.68% for corn, 27.56% for peanuts, and 43.93% for taro.
To further enhance crop yield and reduce planting costs, Dacillo shared that she has ongoing research currently focused on site-specific nutrient management for queen pineapple.