The Pineapple Research Station was started at Vazhakulam, 10 kms on east of Muvattupuzha, on 2.1.1995. The main objective of the station is to conduct survey on pests and disease occurrence in pineapple, and to carry out research on crop im-provement, agronomic practices, mutational aspects, cropping intensity and, post-harvest technology and to undertake farm advisory services.

The major objective of the centre is research on pineapple for the development of new varieties, developing technologies for the management of the crop and the control of pests and diseases.

• About 5000 hybrid pineapple seedlings were produced in the hybridisation programme.

• One pineapple type with plant characters of the Mauritus variety and fruit characters of Kew was identified.