Effect of shading screens on the production and quality of ‘Smooth Cayenne’ pineapple

ABSTRACT In pineapple cultivation, it is common to cover the fruit with newspaper, in order avoid scalding caused by sunburn. However, scarcity of material and large labor force required have led search control alternatives. This study aimed evaluate use shading screens production quality ‘Smooth Cayenne’ pineapple. A randomized blocks experimental design was used, five treatments (fruits covered newspaper plants 35, 40, 50 80 % shading), four replicates two seasons (summer winter). summer, provided average gains 22 39 total commercial mass crowned fruits per plant 40 yield hectare, respectively. The gradual increase intensity resulted a decrease qualitative attributes fruits, when compared covering newspaper. Screens up can replace scalding.