Selection of F1 genotypes of pineapple and reaction to inoculation with a Fusarium guttiforme isolate

Fusariosis (Fusarium guttiforme) is the most destructive disease of the pineapple crop in Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reaction to an isolate in pineapple genotypes selected for crownless fruit weight (CFW) and total soluble solids (TSS). A total of 1,125 genotypes (‘BRS Imperial’×’Pérola’) were evaluated. Selection for greatest CFW and TSS was performed during the sexual cycle. The isolate was inoculated on slip-type plantlets using the immersion technique. Plantlets were evaluated for disease intensity in the stem, attributing scores from 0 to 5. Eighteen genotypes were selected with values from 1.514 to 3.307 g (CFW) and from 14.6 to 19.4 °Brix (TSS). Six genotypes reached the highest level of survival against the IT-01 isolate. Selected genotypes have agronomic traits superior to those of their parents, which qualify them to be cycled back into the plant breeding program of the Instituto Agronômico de Pernambuco – IPA.