The Effect of Accessions on Growth and Adaptation of Pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) under Drought Stress Conditions in Bengkulu City, Indonesia

Abstract

Pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) is a high-value tropical fruit crop with broad ecological adaptability. However, drought stress remains one of the limiting factors in cultivation, especially during the seedling phase in open fields. This study aimed to analyze the effect of various pineapple accessions on the growth and adaptability of local pineapples under drought stress conditions. The study was conducted at the Greenhouse of the Medan Baru Agricultural Zone, Kandang Limun, Muara Bangka Hulu Subdistrict, Bengkulu City, using a completely randomized design (CRD) with two factors: pineapple accessions and drought periods of 15 (Dry Period) and 30 (DP) days. The results showed an interaction between pineapple accessions and drought periods on the variables of stomatal density and shoot dry weight. The effect of accessions showed significant differences in the morphological variables of plant height, number of leaves, shoot fresh weight, and shoot dry weight. The effect of the dry period treatment showed significant differences in plant height and shoot dry weight. The Stress Tolerance Index (STI) values indicated that accession 10 was classified as Tolerant under the 15 DP and 30 DP treatments and had potential for development in dryland areas. Meanwhile, Accession 17 was classified as Sensitive in the 15 DP treatment and classified as Medium in the 30 DP treatment.