Preemergence Weed Control in Pineapple1

Abstract

Although in Thailand pineapple is not as important as banana, citrus, durian and rambutan, it provides income to farmers in areas where the growing of other crops is generally not feasible. The production of this crop may possibly expand in the future, particularly if pineapple is processed. As with other crops, one of the major problems in cultivation of pineapple is the control of weeds. In Thailand, the growers have been accustomed to the time consuming practice of weeding by hand. Mechanical implements may be useful for the control of weeds when the pineapple plants are small, but may injure the plants during the advanced stages of growth. The use of paper mulch has proved effective in Hawaii (Collins, 1960).