Symptoms
The central (heart) leaves yellow, wilt and pull out easily with a foul-smelling soft rot at the base. The growing point collapses, often killing the whole plant.
Prevention
Use disease-free planting material and plant on well-drained, raised beds. Avoid water pooling in the crown and do not overhead-irrigate.
Treatment
Organic
Remove and destroy infected plants with surrounding soil at once. Drench remaining plants with Trichoderma and improve drainage immediately.
Chemical (last resort)
Drench or spray phosphonate (potassium phosphite) or metalaxyl as a protectant on healthy plants nearby. Established heart rot is not curable — observe PHI.
Affects 2 crops
Sources
MARDI Pineapple Production Guide; DOA IPM Manual