Effect of Night Temperature on Flowering and Fruit Size in Pineapple (Ananas comosus [L.] Merrill)

Abstract

'Smooth Cayenne' pineapple plants grown in a greenhouse at between 25 and 30 C were transferred for 16 h nightly to dark rooms maintained at 15, 20, 25, and 30 C. Flowering was most rapid at a night temperature of 20 C and was slowest at 15 and 25 C. Flowering did not occur after 3 yr of growth at 30 C. Flower number and fruit weight were greatest for plants grown at a night temperature of 15 C.