One of the research breakthroughs of the Queen Pineapple Program is the development of the Queen pineapple somatic embryogenesis protocol. As an alternative technique for rapid mass propagation of quality Queen pineapple planting materials, it involves the use of crown shoot tip to produce true-to-type planting materials. Also, through this technology, 8,000 – 10,000 Queen pineapple plantlets/explants can be produced 9–10 months earlier than the traditional production of Queen pineapple suckers.