The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of rates and applications of Fruitone CPA (acid 2-3 clorofenoxi -propionic) over maturity delay, yield and quality of the pineapple fruit in spring time. The experiment was carried out in the Campo Experimental Papaloapan (INIFAP), in Veracruz State, Mexico. It was established with the cv. Smooth Cayenne, in randomized blocks, design with four replicates; totalizing nine treatments including, the control: 300, 600, 900 and 1200 mL of Fruitone CPA per hectare in one application and 600, 900, 1500 and 2100 mL per hectare of Fruitone CPA splited into two equal applications separated by eight days. The treatments were applied 135 days after the flower induction and 65 days before the harvest of the control. The results shown a highly significant effect of the Fruitone upon the fruit weight, though there were not differences due to applications; the citric acid content and the total soluble solids in fruits increased with Fruitone. Neither cracked fruits nor marbling disease were presented in any treatment. The maturity was delayed from 6 to 21 days by the control, varying with the dose. It is concluded that the best treatment was 900 mL of Fruitone CPA per hectare, in one application, which increased 14% the fruit weight and delayed the harvest in 19 days.
Yield; fruit quality; production out of season
