Amritha
An improved hybrid (Mauritius × Kew) from the Pineapple Research Station, Vazhakkulam (Kerala Agricultural University) — larger and more uniform than Mauritius with good eating and keeping quality, for Kerala growers wanting more size without losing table quality.
Quick facts
- Type
- Sucker / slip (hybrid cultivar)
- Season
- All seasons
- Maturity period
- Plant crop ~16–20 months
- Expected yield
- 30–45 t/ha
- Suitable soil
- Well-drained sandy loam or laterite, strongly acidic (pH 5.0–6.0)
- Release
- Released by the Pineapple Research Station, Vazhakkulam (Kerala Agricultural University)
About this variety
Amritha is an improved pineapple hybrid (Mauritius × Kew) from the Pineapple Research Station, Vazhakkulam, under Kerala Agricultural University. It combines the larger fruit and higher yield of Kew with much of the eating quality of Mauritius, and is more uniform than the traditional Mauritius crop. It was released for Kerala growers who want more fruit size and yield without moving to a full Kew crop. It is propagated from suckers and slips.
Key characteristics
Yield & maturity
Maturity period
Plant crop ~16–20 months
Expected yield
30–45 t/ha
Actual yield depends on sowing time, soil, irrigation, weather, seed quality and crop management.
Pest & disease considerations
Major diseases
- No special resistance claimed
Advantages & considerations
Why farmers may choose it
- Larger fruit and higher yield than Mauritius, with good eating quality
- More uniform crop than the traditional Mauritius planting
- A named, released hybrid with certified planting material through KAU
Things to consider
- Slightly longer to the first fruit than Mauritius
- No special disease resistance — needs the acid, well-drained soil and mealybug/ant control
Suitable regions
States this variety is recommended for — check locally, since a state can have more than one recommended zone.
- Kerala