Vegetos
(An International Journal of Plant Research & Biotechnology)
(eISSN: 2229-4473)
Effect of sunscreen application on sunburn incidence and fruit quality of ‘MD-2’ pineapple under production conditions
*Article not assigned to an issue yet
Lorente González G. Y., Rodríguez J. Mendoza, Rodríguez J. Ynchaustic, Fernández Y. Acosta, Sánchez R. Rodríguez, González-Olmedo J. L.
Research Articles | Published: 19 May, 2026
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Keywords: Pineapple, Sunburn, Protection, Brassinosteroids, Fruit quality
Abstract
Pineapple (Ananas comosus var. comosus) is the most economically important species within the Bromeliaceae family. Cuba currently exports fresh ´MD-2´ pineapple to Europe, exports that increase every year. However, during summer, sunburn damage significantly increases. This study evaluated the effectiveness of sunscreens on sunburn incidence and fruit quality of MD-2 pineapple under production conditions. Four treatments (Shade net, Protecsol®, Biobras-16®, and Protecsol® + Biobras-16®) were compared with an unprotected control. All treatments significantly reduced sunburn compared to the control (26%), with shade net being the most effective (< 1.5%), followed by the combination Protecsol® + Biobras-16®. Sunscreen treatments also affected fruit quality, mainly pH and acidity under shade net conditions.
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Author Information
Cell and Tissue Culture Lab., Bioplants Center, University of Ciego de Ávila, Ciego de Ávila, Cuba