Drip irrigation is a standard practice in Hawaii. It helps alleviate the effects of root damage caused by nematodes and reduces moisture stress since water is delivered directly to the root zone. Pineapple growers are often confronted with plant and fruit losses caused primarily by diseases, insects, and other pests. Weather perils are not much of a problem to production, but in some cases, excessive rains, excessive heat, and prolonged drought could result in losses. Frost and hail occur rarely.
Pineapples are fairly tolerant of high winds.
Errors in crop management and nutritional imbalances could also cause some losses. Our assessment is that the demand for a crop insurance policy for pineapples will probably not be as strong as for certain other crops. The three major corporations responsible for virtually all of U.S. pineapple production are very competitive with each other and protective of their activities. Even with large capital investments at stake, large corporations would likely prefer to manage their own risks and self-insure. Also comprising the industry are small, independent growers whose outlets are limited to Hawaii's fresh fruit market.