Public perception and acceptance of ornamental pineapple hybrids

Abstract

Ornamental pineapple varieties are promising alternatives for the cut flower, potted plant and landscaping segments. New hybrids from the genetic improvement program of Embrapa Mandioca e Fruticultura (Embrapa Cassava and Fruits research unit) are being launched for these purposes. The objective of this work was to evaluate the acceptance and preference of consumers regarding the esthetics and prices of potted plants, floral stems and other products originating from ornamental pineapple plants. A survey was conducted at the 15th International Fair of Landscaping, Gardening, Leisure and Floriculture (Fiaflora Expo Garden) in the city of São Paulo. Individual interviews were conducted with 205 people, who answered a questionnaire in a random and voluntary manner, considering the following aspects: gender, age group, origin, profession, flowers of interest, acceptance of cut stems (including in the budding stage), potted plants and mini-fruits and amounts they would pay for these items. The results showed excellent acceptance by the public for cut stems (infructescence or budding stage), potted plants and mini-fruits. Most of the respondents were women, aged between 40 and 50 years, involved in landscaping and from the Southeast region of Brazil. The suggested prices for stems ranged from R$ 3.01 to R$ 10.00 and for potted plants the prices were above R$ 20.00.

Analysis of the economic viability of organic production system of ornamental pineapple plants for cut stems

“…The worldwide popularity of pineapples as ornamental plants has been growing in recent years due to their beauty, originality and the postharvest durability of flowers and stems, prompting rising demand for new cultivars (Souza et al, 2012a;Costa Junior et al, 2016;Pereira et al, 2018). Brazil is a large producer of ornamental pineapple plants, with production concentrated in the Northeast region, especially in the states of Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte.…”

“…Brazil is a large producer of ornamental pineapple plants, with production concentrated in the Northeast region, especially in the states of Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte. However, this commercial activity is based on only two varieties, one of them bearing large and very spiny fruits (Souza et al, 2012b;Pereira et al, 2018).…”

“…Due to the steady demand for novelty in the cut flower and ornamental plant segment, the Embrapa Cassava and Fruits research unit has been conducting research to develop new botanical materials to meet this demand (Souza et al, 2014;Pereira et al, 2018). So far this has led to the commercial launch of two ornamental pineapple cultivars, 'BRS Anauê' and 'BRS Boyrá', both in 2018 (Souza et al, 2019).…”

The production of ornamental pineapple in pots under different drip-irrigation depths

“…This variety is usually grown in the open to produce 'cut flowers' (Souza et al, 2012). However, the growing global importance of the flower and potted-plant sector has created a promising market for the commercialisation of ornamental pineapple in pots (Pereira et al, 2018).…”