Effect of time of harvest on the fruit quality characteristics of pineapple cv 'Smooth Cayenne' in two areas of southern Ghana

Pineapples cv 'Smooth Cayenne' are harvested at different "gestation" periods in relationship to the mode of fruit transportation to the export market either by sea or airfreighting. Pineapple fruits of known history were harvested between 120-160 days after flower induction and changes during ripening were monitored by evaluating the fruit weight, total sugars and total acids production. The parameters evaluated increased gradually with time. There was no significant difference between the maturity indexes at the two growing areas between 130-134 days and 140-144 days (P<0.05). However the table and eating qualities of the fruits harvested at 140 days after flower induction were better. It is recommended that farmers in Ghana should harvest sea freighting fruits at 130-134 days after flower induction instead of the 125 days being practised.