Sarawak Gold 1 (SG1), officially classified as the AC9 cultivar, has quickly become one of the most profitable fruit crops in Sarawak. Valued for its intense sweetness (14–18° Brix), low acidity, crisp texture, and fast maturity cycle, the SG1 variety thrives across both peatlands and mineral soils. Achieving maximum yield per acre requires high-density planting, disciplined nutrient management, and synchronized flower induction.
1. High-Density Planting & Land Preparation
- Bed Layout: Construct double-row raised beds (batas) with a height of 30 cm to ensure effective drainage during monsoon rains.
- Planting Density: Space plants 30 cm apart along the row, with 45 cm between rows on the same bed, and 90 cm between bed centers.
- Target Count: High-density planting yields 14,000 to 17,000 suckers per acre. This high count maximizes land use while keeping individual fruit weight within the ideal commercial size range of 1.2 kg to 1.8 kg.
2. Sucker Selection & Pre-Planting Dip
- Use healthy ground suckers or slips measuring 30 cm to 45 cm in length.
- Dip the lower stems of suckers into a combined bath of copper fungicide (to prevent heart rot caused by Phytophthora) and systemic insecticide (such as Imidacloprid) for 5 minutes.
- Drain and cure suckers in the shade for 24 to 48 hours before field planting to allow wounds to callus.
3. Targeted Fertilizer Schedule
- Soil Preparation: For acidic peat soils, apply Ground Magnesium Limestone (GML) at 1 to 2 tonnes per acre prior to bed preparation to bring soil pH into the target 4.5–5.5 range.
- Vegetative Phase (Months 2 & 4): Apply 20 grams per plant of NPK 15:15:15 or NPK 16:16:16 to drive leaf expansion and root establishment.
- Fruiting Phase (Months 6 & 8): Switch to high-potassium formulas (NPK 12:12:17:2 or 13:13:21) at 25 grams per plant to build pulp density, firm skin structure, and increase natural sugar accumulation.
4. Hormonal Forcing (Induksi Pembungaan)
- Force flowering when vines reach 35 to 40 functional leaves (typically 8 to 9 months after planting).
- Mix 2 ml of Ethephon (Ethrel) and 10 grams of Urea per 1 liter of clean water.
- Pour 30 ml of this solution directly into the central heart/crown of each plant. Apply strictly during early morning or late evening when stomata are open to achieve 95%+ synchronized flowering.
5. Sunburn Protection & Harvesting
- Tie surrounding leaves over developing fruits or apply protective paper caps 3 to 4 weeks prior to harvest to prevent sunburn damage.
- Harvest at 10–20% golden shell color for long-distance shipping across divisions, or 40–50% color turn for local markets.
Source Planting Materials & Farm Supplies
Looking for certified SG1 pineapple suckers, soil conditioners, or fertigation tools? Find verified local suppliers across all 12 Sarawak divisions on SarawakAgro.com.