Pineapple

This page has information for commercial pineapple growers in the Northern Territory (NT).

The pineapple originated in South America. It is grown across tropical and sub-tropical Australia.

The Australian pineapple industry grows the following two varieties:

• Cayenne - a 'smooth type' large pineapple plant producing large, deep yellow fruit with pale yellow juicy flesh, the leaves of the plant are reddish above and grey beneath and it has small spines at the base and tip of the leaf
• Queen - a smaller 'rough variety' with smaller fruit that has deep golden yellow flesh, it has grey green leaves with compact spines along the leaf blade.

Grower advice

Pineapples should be grown in raised beds with light irrigation during the Dry Season.

Propagation via suckers or slips take 12 to 18 months to fruit, whereas tops require two to three years.

Read the pineapple growing note PDF (263.2 KB).

Site selection

Pineapples grow best where temperatures range from 20 degrees Celsius at night to 30 degrees Celsius during the day. Fruit and plant size and growth is related to temperature.

Growth is slower in the cool season and temperatures below 10 degrees Celsius can result in leaf necrosis. Optimum rainfall is from 1,000 to 1,500 millimetres per year with good distribution.

Pest and disease management

Pineapples can be affected by several pests and diseases in the NT such as mealybugs, nematodes, symphylids, birds, root and top rot, fruitlet core rot, water rot, and various nutrient deficiencies.

The bacteria Dickeya zeae has been detected in pineapples on one property in the NT.

For more information on how to minimise biosecurity risks to your crops visit the Farm Biosecurity website.

Other insect pests

Go to the Northern Territory Insects Database to identify an insect pest and the damage it can cause.

General information

To read a range of general horticulture advice and information go to General advice for fruit and vegetable growers.

Industry associations

For information about the pineapple industry, go to the NT Farmers website.