Pineapples are the most intelligent fruit, and indeed could be smarter and more sensitive than many types of animals, a new scientific study has revealed. The findings have major implications for the way humans interact with fruit and vegetables.

The research was conducted at Stanford University over a period of three years. A wide variety of fruit, vegetables, and small animals were tested using a range of techniques.

According to the researchers, pineapples are able to complete simple mathematical equations, recognise themselves in a mirror, and, given time, negotiate their way through a complex maze. They also are sensitive to heat and cold, and even seem to get depressed if something they cherish is taken away from them.

"We wanted to see how they would react to a variety of environment and situations," said one of the key researchers, Doctor Madeline Wisen. "Intelligence and sensitivity were the key things we were looking for, so we set them a number of logical and emotional problems to solve. We closely observed each species' reactions and mannerisms and compared the results. And to be quite honest, we were surprised at our findings."

"Pineapples have a great deal of emotions," continued Dr. Wisen. "And they're clearly smarter than animals such as mice and guinea pigs. This is going to change the whole we see fruit and vegetables. I mean, I kind of expected tomatoes to be pretty bright, but pineapples were a complete surprise."

Already the implications are being felt on farms and supermarkets across America. A new pineapple rights group (OFLOP- Organisation For the Liberation Of Pineapples) has been formed and has begun taking action against groups they perceive to be harming or exploiting pineapples. In one incident, a Michigan fruit store was raided, the pineapples were let loose and then the premises was fire bombed. Pineapple farmers throughout the nation are also reporting harassment.

"I get up one morning to check on me plants just before harvesting time," said Oklahoma pineapple farmer, Dwight Yueller, "And I see this pack of scruffy young people running around the fields pulling up the pineapples and throwing them over the fence onto the road. They were chanting some rubbish about liberating them from cruel imprisonment or something. I gave them a blast with my old shot gun, and then set my dogs on them. That soon scattered them. But not before I lost a lot of good pineapples."

However OFLOP spokesperson, Dean Sokulinsky, defended the actions of members of his organisation. "These people are angry at the unethical treatment of pineapples in this country, and if the politicians and bureaucrats won't do anything than it is understandable that they act in this manner."

The controversial and radical nature of their findings has surprised the Stanford researchers. However despite the problems, further research on the intelligence of fruits and vegetables is planned at Stanford University. Says Dr Wisen, "I just hope that America can cope better with any new insights we uncover. I just want to help the fruit, I don't want anarchy. "