HANDLING AND TRANSPORT OF PINEAPPLE PLANTING MATERIALS BY SEA SHIPMENT - THE MALAYSIAN EXPERIENCE

Almost all activities related to the production and sale of pineapple (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) planting materials, especially for the new cultivars are carried out in the Peninsular Malaysia. The potential of growing the new cultivar of Josapine in the East Malaysia, particularly Sarawak is very great since it has the largest peat soil areas suitable for its cultivation. However, the South China Sea Ocean separates the East Malaysia from the Peninsular. Therefore, exportation of pineapple planting materials from the Peninsular to the East Malaysia has to be carried out by air or sea shipment. The limited space and high cost are two important factors that discourage exportation by air though it offers faster arrival. Transportation by sea usually takes between 10-14 days. This paper details the experiences by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) in the handling and transportation of pineapple planting materials cv. Josapine from Johore in the Peninsular Malaysia to Kuching, and Sarawak in the East Malaysia. The planting materials were produced using a quartering technique and raised in the peat soil nursery for 7 months before being harvested. They were then subjected to specific treatments as required by the Plant Quarantine Division of the Sarawak Department of Agriculture before loading into a reefer container, set at 15 degree Celsius. The qualities of planting materials were slightly changed upon arrival at the port as well as at the farm site. Usually, the planting materials will have some dried leaves particularly on the outer layer of the plants. However, the defects did not affect the growth and development of the crop in the field later on. The prospects and problem of the whole handling and transportation system are discussed, including the cost involved and the future needs of the related research and development.