why do large scale pineapple producers plant suckers and not crowns?

Question

Also, if a "new" pineapple farmer wanted to start growing pineapples, where would he get suckers to plant for his first crop?

I assume from another pineapple farmer, but are there producers who specialize in selling suckers?

Answer 1

Read how the Aggies do it, they can teach a Dawg a thing or two. Check with someone in the extension service. They should be able to tell you where to get crowns or suckers.
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/citrus/pineapple.htm

Answer 2

Most of the time they get them from their own plants. Pineapple plants produce just one pineapple and when dieing, send out suckers at the base of the plants. U can cut off the crown of a pineapple (leaves) and plant it in sand, keep wet and it will grow and produce a pineapple but it will not be as large as the original pineapple.

Answer 3

Suckers are a natural offshoot of the pineapple fruit. They must contain the plant DNA for reproduction which the crown apparently does not have. A new pineapple producer would be facing the stiffest competition for land and labor. It would appear that most of the suitable land is already planted. But the Hawaiians have a better feel than this one time visitor.