1.

INTRODUCTION
Pineapple or in scientific known as Ananas comosus is one of the most popular and
appreciated tropical fruit around the world. Furthermore, pineapple was discovered in
by Christopher Columbus in 1492, which was on his voyage and took specimens back to
Europe to be cultivated (Amar bin Talip, Tong P.S and Casey Ng, 2015). One of the fruits
original native names in Brazil was nana, from the scientific term Ananas (Amar bin
Talip, Tong P.S and Casey Ng, 2015). Nine varieties of pineapples are planted across
Malaysia today, such as N36 sp., Sarawak sp., Moris sp., Moris Gajah sp., Gandul,
Yankee sp., Josapine sp., MD2 sp. and Masapine sp., MD2 sp. is a hybrid species of
pineapple that is brought in from the Philippines.
Pineapples plants flower between twelve and eighteen months of growth. The whole
process of planting pineapples seed to harvesting pineapple fruits are normally between
nineteen and twenty-four months. Pineapples are non-climacteric fruits. Thus, harvesting
period is very crucial for this fruit since there is significant change in ripening after
harvest. Pineapples are a good source of nutrients such as vitamin C, manganese, copper
and folate. Bromelain is a type of enzyme that can be found in the pineapple fruit and
abundantly in the core of the pineapple. Bromelain enzyme is widely used a meat
tenderizer in cooking.
Pineapple is a very versatile fruit since it can be consumed fresh, juice, dried, canned
or as an ingredient in various recipes. Some pineapples are even made into jams and
marmalade. The variety of product that can be developed using pineapples are the reason
they are cultivated in many countries and cultures around the globe.
Post-harvest handling system that consist of harvesting, storage, processing,
packaging, transporting and marketing of crops plays a very important role in meeting
food requirements and standards by eliminating avoidable losses that can occur after the
harvesting process. Good agriculture practices helps in minimizing yield loss in fruits and
vegetables farms. On a larger point of view, higher yield can open opportunities to a
larger market scale.

2. OBJECTIVES
To investigate the pre-harvest and post-harvest handling system of pineapple fruit in
pineapple farm during planting, harvesting, transportation, storage, packaging house
and at market or supermarket.
To identify the cause of loss of yield and quality of pineapple produce from the farm,
transportation, warehouse and markets.
To understand further how the environmental factors and farmers practices can
affect the quality and number of saleable pineapple produce.
To apply Good Agriculture Practices (GAP) and Good Manufacturing Practices
(GMP) in the existing chain to help minimize crop loss.

3. METHODS AND MATERIAL

In this project, the fruit that had been chosen is pineapple. The pineapple farm is
located at Kampung Sekolah, Juru is a 10 acres mineral soil land. Pineapple is one of the
local fruits that can be plant at various type of soil and ground. The visit was planned two
weeks before the suggested date of 11th April 2016. The Lembaga Perindustrian Nenas
Malaysia (LPNM), Penang branch had been prior notice before the visit. Mr. Syed
Ghazali had been the officer in charge to usher and guide at the farm. This farm had been
chosen due to the demographic aspects of place and time. It only took about 40 minutes
from Penang Island to reach there. Local farmers were the one who harvest the whole
process. The seeds had been provided to the farmers by the LPNM Penang Branch.
Mr Anuar from LPNM Johor branch was also contacted to understand better how
implementation of MyGAP or Malaysia Good Agriculture Practice in the pineapple farm
is carried out. Comparisons between practices in pineapple farm located in Johor and the
farm we visited was made. The students spent about two and a half hours to gather all the
input and carry the site visit. Various aspects from preparing a land plot for pineapple
planting to harvesting and maturity indexes were discussed and explained by En. Ghazali.

Using local labor, the growth and development of the pineapple plants are monitored by
LPNM.

4. OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTS

1.Farm

2.
Transportati
on

3. Market

4. Direct
Selling

Diagram 1: Pineapple fruit post-harvest system flowchart.

1. Farm

Figure 1 : The space required for pineapple plant growth.

5. Consumer

Figure 2 :Fence as physical barrier for farm.

Figure 3: Plant growth regulator to promote flowering in pineapple

Figure 4: 5% NPN organic fertilizer.

Figure 5: Fertilizing process carried out by farmer.

Figure 6 : Unripe pineapple fruit.

2. Transportation

Figure 7: Pineapples transported by lorry.

Source : http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/z/pineapple-truck-fruit-concept-29935487.jpg

3. Market

MARKET

Figure 8: Moris pineapple for sale at supermarket .

4. Direct Selling

Figure 9: Pineapple, pineapple juice and pineapple slices sold at pineapple farm.

Figure 10 : Pineapple jelly sold at pineapple farm.

5. Consumer

Figure 11: Pineapple jamsold commercially.

[ Source : http://www.images-iherb.com/l/STD-95834-1.jpg

Figure 12: Pineapple juice commercially sold.

Source : http://www.soukai.my/core/media/media.nl?
id=128699&c=3713628&h=380c4862b85012777af7

Figure 13 :Canned pineapple cubes in syrup commercially sold.

Source: http://s3-ap-southeast[10674527_L1.jpg].
Retrieved from:
1.amazonaws.com/www.fairprice.com.sg/fpol/media/images/product/L/10674527_L1.jpg

Figure 14: Freshly consumed pineapple

Source : http://i.huffpost.com/gen/1602987/thumbs/o-PINEAPPLE-HAPPY-MAN-570.jpg?
1

5. DISCUSSION
1. Farm
i) Type of pineapple
Two species of pineapples were planted on the visited pineapple farm which is
Moris sp. and MD2 sp.. Both species were selected to be planted because Moris sp. has
high demands in the northern region of Malaysia. On the other hand, MD2 sp. has high
demands from the whole country.
Based on our observations, MD2 sp. grown was given sufficient space to grow
with a ninety centimeters gap between two rows, sixty centimeters gap between two
parallel fruits and thirty centimeters gap between two adjacent fruits. However, the fruits
that grew were not complying with the hybrids custom specifications. The pineapple that
grew was not round in shape and was too light. These were the main reasons MD2 sp.
was not able to be exported to its intended market, Japan.
To overcome this problem, we did a comparison with another pineapple produce
farm located in Kota Tinggi, Johor. This pineapple farm was able to control the genetic
variation that occur in the MD2 sp. and exported their produce to Iran and Egypt. To
ensure consistent specifications in colour, size, texture and weight of the pineapples was
produced for export, the first three generations of the plant is not used. This ensures the
seeds produce high quality crops that are free from diseases.
ii) Farm Soil and Infrastructure
Based on our observations, the pineapples are grown on an abandon paddy field
lot. The soil from the previous paddy plantation was not suitable for optimum growth of
the pineapple. There were rubbles and sand that was not the best conditions for pineapple
plantations.
The solution to this problem is peat soil. Pineapples are best grown on peat soil.
Type of peak soil has to be saprik and hemik that are at least fifty centimeters from the
dense and compress soil. Saprik peat and hemic peat are suitable for pineapple fruits

because it contains organic materials that are abundant in mineral and nutrients for the
growth of the pineapples. The field must be even and not steep. The soil also cannot
contain more than thity-five percent of stones and rubbles between the first fifty
centimeters of the soil. In addition, salt content of the soil cannot exceed 1 dS/m.
The infrastructure of the field also plays an important role to produce best quality
produces. Ditch with a width at least ninety centimeters and main drainage with a width
of a hundred and twenty centimeters is essential for good water flow in the field. Water
cannot accumulate and form puddles since this will cause rot in some of the plants.
Besides that, water source must also be free of any contaminants. In the pineapple farm,
source of clean water was treated ground water. We also observed the field was fenced to
prevent any invasions form wild boars and monkeys. Rat poison such as Warfarin,
Chlorophacinone and Bromiolone was used to control infestations from Rattus
tiomanicus sp.
iii) Fertilizing
Based on our findings, the soil was treated with pesticides such as Malathion and
Benomyl and weedicides such as Paraquet before the pineapples were planted. Frequent
weed and pest control must be carried out throughout the planting period. This is to
ensure pests such as Dysmicoccus brevipus, Diaspis bromeliae and nemotods such as
Pratylenchus sp. does not infest the crops that causes lesions, bruises and retarded growth
in the grown pineapple plant.
Based on our observations, plant growth regulators such as Aplha Nephthyl Acetic
Acid were used to initiate flowering in the pineapples. Pineapple flowering process
occurs naturally after twelve to eighteen months of growth. Temperature, heat and
sunlight play a role in initiating flowering naturally in pineapples. Rapid growth,
excessive nitrogen and frequent rain can slow down the flowering process. However, the
hormone boosters can ensure flowering in the pineapple plants even when conditions are
unfavorable. The fertilizers used by the farmers were 5 percent NPK fertilizers. This is
not sufficient for growth of pineapples. The farmers also did not wear any masks, apron
and gloves while spraying the crops. Lastly, some of the crops were fertilized a month

before harvest causing consumers to experience irritation in their mouth and tongue when
consuming the pineapple fruits.
The agriculture industry very much depends on NPK fertilizers which functions as
building blocks of life that the plant needs for healthy growth. Natural soil often lacks
organic matter as nutrients due to over cultivation. NPK fertilizer is primarily composed
of three elements: Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K).
Nitrogen aids in photosynthesis and is a component in chlorophyll, the substance
that give plants its green colour. Phosphorus also plays a vital role in photosynthesis by
aiding in the formation of oils, sugars and starches. Phosphorus is an important substance
needed to convert solar energy into chemical energy for positive development of the
plant. Besides that, Phosphorus encourages growth of roots and promotes blooming in
pineapple plants. The third essential nutrient is Pottasium which helps the build protein to
withstand stress and diseases.
According to the Planting Manual for Pineapples by Lembaga Nenas Malaysia,
there are five stages of fertilizing in the duration of nine months. The first stage of
fertilizing is using combinations of Copper hidrate, Copper sulphate, Zinc sulphate and
Ferum sulphate. The second stage of fertilizing is done on the third month using 15
percent NPK fertilizer. The third stage of fertilizing has to be carried out on the fourth
month using mixture containing Lime Hydrate, Copper sulphate, Zinc sulphate, Ferus
sulphate and 40 percent Urea. The fourth and fifth stages of the fertilizing are using 15
percent NPK fertilizer.
iv) Diseases
On site visit, we observed that some of the crops were infested with diseases caused
by fungus such as black rot and Phytophthora Heart rot. Some physiological damage such
as sun scorch and shaft fracture also cause crop losses. These diseases are the main reason
almost half of the yield is lost.
Black rot is caused by a fungus, Thielaviopsis paradoxa which causes gas bubbles
and rot in the fruit. This rot causes the fruit to smell and fall of easily from its plant. The

fruit also turns black and slimy. To avoid this infestation, Benomyl which is a pesticide is
used to eliminate the fungus. The infested fruit has to be removed quickly to avoid
infestation in neighboring plants. Frequent sanitation and good agriculture practices can
decrease attacks by this fungus.
Another fungus that often penetrates into the pineapple fruit and cause rot is
Phytophthora parastica. The plant rots at the base of the tree and causes the leaves to turn
reddish brown. The infected zone also turns black. To overcome this problem, chemicals
such as Metalaxyl and Fosetyl- aluminium can be sprayed at the base of the tree.
A large portion of pineapple plants are lost due to sun scorch. Sun scorches are
burns on the pineapple fruits skin and tissues that are cause by direct sunlight and
extreme hot weathers. The burns on the skin of the fruits can be observed when the
yellowish skin turns brown or black. To avoid this problem, the pineapple fruits must be
covered or shield from direct sunlight using sun visors made from plastic or cloth.
Lastly, some of the pineapples fruits are lost due to a lesion nematode,
Pratylenchus sp. The nematode causes black lesions and decay on the roots of the
pineapple plant. The growth of the plant and fruit are also retarded. The leaves turn
yellow and then red. Lesion nematodes can be avoided by having a perfectly flowing
ditch and usage of fungicides such as Carbofuran before planting.
vi) Maturation Index
Based on our findings, the pineapple fruits are harvested at a specific size and
colour. This is important to comply with the consumers preferences and ensuring top
quality of fruits sold. The pineapple fruits are harvested based on the maturity index. The
maturity index contains specifications of the colour, texture, sweetness and size of the
pineapple fruit. This gives the farmers an idea when to harvest their fruits for optimum
quality and taste.
The maturity index is divided into five stages. The first stage indicates the fruit is
unripe and is dark green in colour. The fruit slips are oblong in shape and are inclined
upwards. The texture of the fruit is very chewy. The acid content of the fruits is very high

and is not very sweet. Pineapples harvested at this stage are usually for exportation of
unripe pineapples by sea.
The second stage of the maturity index states that the pineapple fruit is beginning
to mature. The overall fruit is round turns slightly yellowish in colour at the fruit slips and
turn light green at the base of the fruit. Almost twenty five percent of the fruits turn light
yellow starting from the base. The sweetness of the fruit also develops. The fruits are
harvested at this stage for exportation by air transport.
The third stage of maturity is achieved when almost half of the fruit is ripe. The
fruit can be eaten fresh. The texture of the fruit is firm and very juicy. The sugar content
of the fruit is high making it very sweet. The pineapples are suitable for local markets.
The fruits are not suitable for long distance deliveries.
The fourth stage of the fruit states that the whole fruit is ripe. Almost seventy five
percent of the fruit is yellowish-orange in colour. The texture of the fruit is still very firm
and juicy. The sugar content of the fruit also increased and it very fitting to be consumed
fresh.
Lastly, the fifth stage of the maturity index is reached when the whole fruit turns
yellow. The fruit tissue tends to be very soft and too juicy. The fruit also is very sweet
because sugar production in fruits occurs in the last stages of fruit growth and
development. Fruits harvested at this stage can be consumed fresh or made into juices and
jams.
2. Transportation and Grading
Based on our observation, the pineapple are primarily graded by the farmers before the
transportation and distribution. The farmer will grade the pineapple based on the colour,
smell and size. After the grading, the pineapples will be transported by using lorry. Moris
sp. does not need any packaging because it has a thick skin. However, MD2 sp. that has
thin skin is wrapped using Styrofoam. This avoids any physical bruises to the fruits. The
transporting lorries are filled with reposed mattresses. These mattresses give cushion to
the fruits so that skin lesions and bruises can be avoided on the pineapples.

The

transporting lorry must only carry pineapple fruits to avoid any cross contamination from
previous loads. Moris sp. are sold at local markets and MD2 sp. are graded and
distributed by Lembaga Pemasaran Pertanian Persekutuan(FAMA) to Gerai BuahBuahan Segar supported by FAMA.
The secondary grading stage is done by local dealers and FAMA employeers. Grading
is mainly done by weighing the pineapples. Besides that, grading of pineapples is done
based on their maturity, freshness, uniformity in size and physical condition of the
pineapples. Most importantly, the fruits must be free from any disease or defect. At this
stage, spoiled or infested pineapples are rejected immediately. This is because spoilage
rate in good fruits increases when are stored together with bad fruits. After grading
process is complete, the pineapples are sold by the kilogram.
To further ensure the quality and safety of the graded pineapples, the inspector
should observe and test if too much fertilizers or excessive chemicals were used.
Pineapples that grow abnormally big or heavy are signs of abuse in fertilizers. Besides
that, pineapples that are sprayed with too much fertilizer cause irritation on tongue and
mouth when consumed. The hygiene of the personnel must also be considered in order to
prevent any spoilage of the fruits. A person with an illness, open lesion, sores or any
source of microbial contamination must not involve in handling the pineapples as this
could contaminate the fruits.
3. Market and 4. Direct Selling
Based on our findings, the pineapples that are too ripe and are rejected by FAMA
employees are sold at directly at the pineapple farm. These over ripe pineapples are sold
fresh, made into juice or jelly. Whole pineapples are sold by the kilogram.
At the supermarket, Moris sp. pineapples were sold by the kilogram. The excess top
part of the pineapples is cut off. The pineapples will be displayed on shelves for ten days.
Some of the pineapples rot and spoil when exposed to dirty environments. Therefore, the
pineapples must be displayed on clean shelves and stored in cooled temperatures.

5. Consumers
Based on our observations, consumers were not well aware of the pineapples
maturity indexes and use of different types of pineapples for different purposes. For
example, Moris sp. is suitable for savory dishes and MD2 sp. is suitable to be freshly
eaten. Consumers also did not know how to preserve the freshness of the pineapples.
In choosing pineapples, colour and smell plays a very important role. Pleasant, strong
and sweet scent of the pineapples indicates pineapples are mature and ripe. The colour
and the texture of the pineapples can also be used to determine the maturity and ripeness
of the fruit. For example, Morris sp. develops purplish skin in its fully ripe stages.
However, MD2 sp. develops are bright green colour. Under ripe pineapples are more
acidic and is not sweet since sugars are produced in the last stages of growth. On the
other hand, over ripe pineapples usually has softer texture and is juicier. Hence, they are
often used to make juices, jams and marmalades. Pineapples which are non- climacteric
fruits do not ripen further after harvest and are highly perishable. Therefore, pineapple
must be stored in cool conditions to prevent it from turning moldy and ferment. If the
consumer choses to store the pineapples in room temperature, it will have a shelf life for a
day or two. Lastly, due to the pineapples unique taste, many products were developed
and commercialized such as pineapple juices, pineapple jelly, marmalade and canned
pineapples cubes in syrup.
6. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the whole pre-harvest and post- harvest system of pineapples that
consist of the pineapple farm, transportation of produce, marketing and consumer
understanding was analyzed. Steps to further decrease any post -harvest losses were
discussed.
At the pineapple farm, the practices that were adapted by local farmers were
observed. Farmers practices, environmental factors, fertilization, diseases and maturation
classifications were observed and analyzed. Good Agriculture Practices were discussed to
minimize the problem faced to ensure best quality of pineapples was produced.

At the transporting stage, we analyzed the grading system of the pineapple fruits.
The fruits were graded according to their average size, weight, colour, smell and physical
appearance. Comparisons on packaging methods for MD2 sp. and Moris sp. were
discussed. The lorries that transported the pineapples were observed to understand the
function of mattresses. To further minimize post harvest loss during transportation,
separation of good and bad fruits and practices of the inspector was discussed.

7. REFERANCE
1. Amar Ahmadi bin Thalip, Tong P.S. and Casey Ng (2015), The MD2 Super
Sweet pineapple (Ananas comosus). Retrieved on 3rd May 2016 at
http://www.utar.edu.my/fsaj/file/The%20MD2%20(Super%20Sweet)
%20pineapple%20(Ananas%20comosus)%20-%20Amar%20Ahmad%20bin
%20Thalip,%20Tong%20P.%20S.%20and%20Casey%20Ng.pdf
2. Importance of Post Harvest Technology Fruits and Vegetables Management
(July, \2013). Retrieved on 3rd May 2016 at http://www.environment.co.za/gmfoods-crops-biofuels-pesticides/importance-of-post-harvest-technology-fruitsand-vegetables-management.html
3. Improving the Safety and Quality of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: A Training
Manual for Trainers [Online] Available from:
http://jifsan.umd.edu/docs/gaps/en/GAPs_Manual_(Compiled).pdf [Accessed: 4
May 2016].
4. Chapter 10 Quality control/quality assurance and international trade; good
manufacturing practices (gmp); hygiene requirements; hazard analysis and
critical control points (haccp) [Online] Available from:
http://www.fao.org/docrep/v5030e/v5030e0t.htm[Accessed: 4 May 2016].
5.

Improving the Safety and Quality of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: A Training
Manual for Trainers [Online] Available from:
http://jifsan.umd.edu/docs/gaps/en/GAPs_Manual_(Compiled).pdf [Accessed: 4

May 2016]
6.

Lembaga Perindustrian Nanas Malaysia, Manual Tanaman Nanas Tanah

Gambut.
7. NPK Fertilizer: What Is It And How Does It Work? [Online] Available from:
http://feeco.com/npk-fertilizer-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-work/[Accessed: 4 May
2016]
8. Ten FAQs

about

the

Prickly

Pineapple

[Online]

Available

from:

http://shelflifeadvice.com/content/ten-faqs-about-prickly-pineapple [Accessed: 4
9.

May 2016]
The Australian Soil Classification [Online] Available from:
http://www.clw.csiro.au/aclep/asc_re_on_line/soilglos.htm#bd [Accessed: 4 May
2016]

8. APPENDICES
Appendix 1 : Information on site visit
Location of farm: Kampung Sekolah Pineapple Farm, Juru, SPT, Pulau Pinang.
Office: Pejabat Lembaga Perindustrian Nenas Malaysia (Cawangan Pulau Pinang), No
70, Jalan Dagangan 2, Pusat Bandar Bertam Perdana, 13200, Kepala Batas, Seberang
Perai Utara, Pulau Pinang.
Contact person: Encik Syed Ghazali.
Appendix 2 : Elaboration on scientific terms
1. Alpha Nepthyl Acetic Acid (ANAA) is a plant hormone booster that enhances
flowering, root development and plant growth.
2. Bromelain is a an enzyme that is found abundantly in pineapple juice and
pineapple stem. It can be used as meat tenderizer and reducing inflammation.
3. Saprik peat soil is a type of soil materials are the most highly decomposed. Bulk
density is commonly 0.2 or more, and the fibre content averages less than onethird of the volume before rubbing. Maximum water content when saturated
normally is less than 450 percent on the oven-dry basis (Histosols in Soil
Taxonomy, Soil Survey Staff ,1975)

4. Hemic peat soil hese soil materials are intermediate in degree of decomposition.
Bulk density is commonly between 0.07 and 0.18 and the fibre content is
normally between one-third and two-thirds of the volume before rubbing.
Maximum water content when saturated ranges from about 450 to 850 percent
(Histosols in Soil Taxonomy , Soil Survey Staff, 1975)

Appendix 3 : Maturity Index of Pineapples

Appendix 4 : Suitable Soil Characteristics for Pineapple Growth