Suckers/Slips/Crown:

Pineapple is very easy to propagate vegetatively. Suckers arising in the axil of the leaves on the main stem form roots and can be used for propagation. Even the crown of leaves above the fruit and parts of the stem itself can be used. Another method of propagation is by slips, which are the suckers, arising immediately below the fruit. Suckers and slips should be preferred for planting as they come to bearing earlier than the crown and produce larger fruits. Plants from crown bear flowers after 3 to 20 months later than suckers and slips depending on the climatic conditions. Therefore, crowns are not normally used. Suckers should be planted within 2 weeks after removing from the mother plant. The planting material should be selected from healthy disease free plant.