A Breakthrough for Arid-Climate Farming.

Growing ‘Queen’ pineapples in the desert using soilless culture, drip irrigation, and shading tunnels to mimic tropical conditions.

At the Ramat HaNegev Research Center, researchers are proving that tropical fruit cultivation isn’t limited to the tropics.

Led by Ofer Guy, the team developed an advanced system for growing ‘Queen’ pineapples in the desert using soilless culture, drip irrigation, and shading tunnels to mimic tropical conditions.

The results are promising, with significant commercial potential. Yields soared to 17 metric tons per acre, typical in soil-based systems. Nearly 90% of plants produced market-grade fruit, and the harvest time dropped from 17–18 months to just 13–14 months.

By eliminating soil-borne diseases and stabilizing growing conditions, the study opens new commercial possibilities for producing tropical fruit in arid climates. This could have a tremendous impact on thousands of farmers worldwide.

We’re proud to see Negev-based research driving practical solutions for global food security.

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