The exhibition features pineapple plants similar to the ones brought to Taiwan from mainland China during the reign of Emperor Kang Hsi (1662-1722) in the Ching dynasty.

Tsai Wu hsiung, director of the Chiayi branch of the state-run Agricultural Research Institute, believes it is the earliest strain introduced to the island, and while it is no longer commercially viable to grow, the institute felt it was worthwhile to preserve the seed source.

At a press conference marking the opening of the exhibition, which runs through Aug. 31, Tsai said farmers' consistent efforts to develop the plant into a delicious fruit in past years had led to the creation of many popular hybrids. The most popular of these at present is the sweet "Golden Diamond, " or "Taiwan Farming No. 17, " which has an 80 percent share of the local market and is famous for its thin skin, fine pulp, high sugar/acid ratio and abundant flavor, Tsai said.

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