Pineapple seeds do exist, but they are not commonly found in the fruit itself. When you peel a pineapple, you may occasionally come across small black seeds just below the surface of the peel. These seeds are true pineapple seeds, but they are not typically used for propagation or cultivation purposes.
It is important to note that pineapples are generally highly self-incompatible. This means that they have mechanisms in place to prevent self-fertilization and encourage outcrossing. In other words, pineapples are not able to self-pollinate and produce viable seeds.
Instead, pineapple plants primarily reproduce through vegetative propagation, which involves planting the crown or top of the fruit to grow a new plant. This method is preferred for commercial cultivation as it ensures that the offspring will have the same desirable characteristics as the parent plant.
The reason for the self-incompatibility in pineapples lies in their genetic makeup. Pineapples have a complex genetic system that involves multiple alleles and loci controlling their self-incompatibility. This system ensures genetic diversity and helps in the survival and adaptation of the species.
In my personal experience as a pineapple enthusiast, I have found it rare to come across true pineapple seeds while eating the fruit. Most of the time, the seeds are either very tiny or completely absent. This is because commercial pineapples are typically bred to have fewer or no seeds, making them more appealing to consumers.
To summarize, while pineapple seeds do exist, they are not commonly found in the fruit itself. Pineapples primarily reproduce through vegetative propagation, and their self-incompatibility mechanisms prevent self-fertilization and encourage outcrossing. So, if you’re looking to grow a pineapple plant, it’s best to start with the crown or top of the fruit rather than relying on the seeds.