The cultivar Gold (MD-2) has attracted interest in Brazil, with a view to fresh pineapple export. However, little scientific information is available on the nutritional management of this cultivar in the country. This study aimed to determine the effect of N, P and K fertilization on the nutritional status, development, yield and fruit quality of MD-2 pineapple plants. Five doses of N; P2O5 and K2O, were studied and the leaf 'D' development, the N, P and K levels, and fruit development and quality were evaluated. The yield and fruit weight were highest after the application of 650.6 kg ha-1 N and 735.9 kg ha-1 K2O, corresponding to 12.7 and 14.4 g/ plant, respectively; in this case, flowering should be induced when the 'D' leaf length is > 75.5 cm; the fruit quality was reduced with application of N, but increased with the addition of P and K, up to a maximum of 205.8 kg ha-1 P2O5 and 703.4 kg ha-1 K2O, corresponding to 4.01 and 13.7 g/plant, respectively.
Ananas comosus var. comosus; fertilization; macronutrients; plant growth
