It is proposed to publish a book on pineapple both in English and Malayalam associating all the experts/scientists involved/experienced/interested in pineapple research and development. Book in English is proposed to be a thorough review type with citations and full references useful to all concerned. Book in Malayalam is proposed to be a general reference manual useful to growers and developmentalists. Both should have extensive/adequate charts, illustrations, photos, etc in high resolution colour for good quality printing.

The proposed contents for English book is given below, modifiable to make it more comprehensive, systematic, organized and useful to all the stakeholders.

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PINEAPPLE

Introduction

History

Importance

Area, production, productivity

Consumption, export, revenue potential

Description

Origin

Distribution

Characteristics

Species/Varieties/Types/Classification

Biochemistry /Chemical structure

Physiology

Stability during processing and storage

Crop improvement

Cultivated varieties

Varieties suitable for fresh fruit/table purpose, processing, juice

Geographic indication/Vazhakulam pineapple

Propagation

Propagation techniques

Tissue culture

Planting material

Sources of planting materials

Planting material production

Climate

 Soil

Cultivation

Cultivation systems (purecropping in upland, reclaimed paddy lands, intercropping in rubber, coconut)

Landpreparation

Planting

 Manuring

 Irrigation

Weed control

Flower induction

Intercropping

Harvesting (stage for long transport, fresh fruit, processing, juice)

Ratoon cropping

Yield

Plant protection (Pest, disease, nematode, virus, sunburn, cold injury)

Economics of cultivation

Organic farming (potential, cultivation, organic formulations, biocontrol agents, application methods)

Grading (Colour stages)

Packing

Consumer preference

Marketing strategies

Marketing channels

Export

Storage

Shelflife

transportation

Processing for different purposes

Concentration

Value addition

How to set up a small processing unit

Products

Byproducts

Uses in food processing

Colourant

Flavouring

Antioxidant

Antimicrobial

Bromelain

Fibre

Juice

Animal feed

Folk medicine

Ornamental value

Other uses

Employment potential

Health issues

Toxicity

Functional/nutritional/medicinal benefits

Quality issues

Major specifications/quality parameters

Authenticity indicators

Adulteration

Testing agencies

Regulatory issues

References

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Kindly offer your advice/suggestions, contents refined by you and the chapter/section/part you can author/contribute along with your email IDs and Cell phone numbers at the earliest. It is better to have same authors for both English and Malayalam books.

I request the wholehearted support and cooperation of all in this venture.

Looking forward to hear from all of you at the earliest.

The progress of this venture will be informed to you by email/phone.