Pineapple heart rot is a common and serious disease that affects pineapple crops shortly after planting. Once it occurs, the disease spreads quickly and can lead to significant economic losses. This article outlines the symptoms, causes, infection cycle, conditions that favor its spread, and effective control measures.
First, the symptoms. The disease primarily affects young seedlings but can also affect mature plants. Initially, the affected leaves remain green, but they appear dark and dull. The heart of the plant turns yellowish-white and becomes easily pulled out, making early detection difficult. As the disease progresses, the leaves gradually turn yellow or brown, with the tips drying out and turning brown. The base of the leaves develops water-soaked, brown lesions. The rotting tissue becomes soft and cheese-like, and the boundary between healthy and diseased tissue turns dark brown. Secondary bacterial infections often cause an unpleasant odor, leading to the death of the entire plant.
Second, the pathogen. The disease is caused by three main pathogens: two species of fungi, *Phytophthora* spp. and *Pythium* spp., and one type of bacteria, *Eubacterium* spp.
Third, the infection cycle. These fungi can survive in the soil over winter, while the bacteria may be introduced through infected insects. The bacteria typically enter the plant through the rhizome at the base of the stem, causing the disease. Infected tissues produce more pathogens, which are spread by rain splashes, leading to repeated infections and further spread of the disease.
Fourth, the occurrence conditions. Pineapple heart rot tends to occur more frequently during hot and rainy seasons, especially after autumn planting when heavy rains are common. Soils that are heavy or poorly drained, particularly those prone to waterlogging, increase the risk of the disease.
Fifth, prevention methods. To reduce the risk of heart rot, it's important to select healthy seedlings and plant them only after a period of dry weather. Ensure good drainage and avoid planting in low-lying, humid areas. Before planting, treat the seedlings by removing a few lower leaves, then dip them in a 25% carbendazim wettable powder solution diluted 800–1000 times for 10–15 minutes. Allow them to dry before replanting. Avoid damaging the base of the leaves during weeding. Apply fertilizers properly, avoiding excessive nitrogen. When the disease is detected, spray 50% carbendazim WP at 1000–1500 times, or 70% thiophene at 1000–1500 times, or 50% benomyl at 1500 times. Each acre should receive about 125 kg of spray. Remove and burn infected plants, replace the soil in the affected area, disinfect with lime, and then replant with healthy seedlings.
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