Cultivation

The pineapple is cultivated in the tropics and subtropics of America, Asia and Africa, as well as in South Europe in field trials and in greenhouses. Historically, the most important cultivation areas were located in Central America and USA (Hawaii). Today, Asian countries such as Thailand, the Philippines and India belong to the main producers. Worldwide, over 15 million tonnes per year are produced.

Utilization

The fruit is sweet and contains many minerals and enzymes such as bromelain.

It is mostly consumed raw or processed into

• Canned goods, fruit preparation, marmalade and juice

By-products

• After processing (conserving), the leftovers of fruits are used as feed.
• The enzyme bromelain is won from plant parts harvested from perennial plants. It serves to make meat more tender and is added to gelatine.

Gene technology: Aims of research and development

Agronomic traits

Disease resistance

• viral resistance

• fungal resistance to bacterial heat rot

Pest resistance

• nematode resistance

Weed management

• herbicide tolerance

Plant development

• modified blossom time

• modified ethyl production and so with maturation deferment

Quality traits

Modified composition of ingredients

• increased sugar content

Field trials with GM pineapple