Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus)

Local Indian Name:

• Hindi: कटहल (Kathal)

• Bengali: কাঁঠাল (Kathal)

• Tamil: பலாப்பழம் (Palaapalam)

• Telugu: పనస (Panasa)

• Kannada: ಹಲಸು (Halasu)

• Malayalam: ചക്ക (Chakka)

• Marathi: फणस (Phanas)

• Gujarati: ફણસ (Phanas)

Scientific Name:

Artocarpus heterophyllus

Family:

Moraceae

Category and Subcategory:

• Category: Evergreen Fruit Tree

• Subcategory: Tropical Fruit and Timber Tree

Native Region:

• Native to India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia.

• Grows naturally in tropical and subtropical forests across South and Southeast Asia.

Introduction

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world, known for its sweet, fibrous, and aromatic pulp. It is highly nutritious and valued both as a food crop and timber source. The fruit is consumed in both ripe (sweet) and unripe (vegetable) forms. Jackfruit is drought-resistant and widely grown in India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

Importance & Benefits

Nutritional & Medicinal Benefits:

• Rich in Vitamin C & Antioxidants: Boosts immunity and fights infections.

• High in Fiber: Aids digestion and prevents constipation.

• Good Source of Potassium: Regulates blood pressure.

• Plant-Based Protein Alternative: Unripe jackfruit is a meat substitute for vegetarians.

• Diabetes-Friendly: Low glycemic index, controls blood sugar levels.

• Promotes Skin & Hair Health: Due to Vitamin A and antioxidants.

Economic & Industrial Benefits:

• Jackfruit-based food industry: Processed into chips, jams, sweets, juices, and frozen pulp.

• Timber Use: Wood is durable and used in furniture, musical instruments, and house construction.

• Ayurvedic & Traditional Medicine: Used in herbal tonics and treatments for stomach disorders.

Description and Cultivation

Botanical Description:

• Height: 10-20 meters tall.

• Leaves: Dark green, glossy, elliptical-shaped leaves.

• Flowers: Small, unisexual, and grow on trunks or branches.

• Fruits: Largest tree-borne fruit (up to 50 kg), covered in rough spiky skin, containing yellow edible bulbs and seeds.

Major Growing Regions in India:

• Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Assam, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.

• Thrives in tropical and coastal regions.

Varieties and Cultivars

Popular Varieties in India:

1. Koozha Chakka (Soft flesh, widely grown in Kerala)

2. Varikka Chakka (Firm flesh, premium variety)

3. Singapore Jack (High-yielding hybrid)

4. Pilibhit Jack (Famous in Uttar Pradesh)

5. Panruti Jack (Tamil Nadu’s high-quality variety)

6. Muttom Varikka (Popular in Kerala, rich taste)

Location and Light

• Climate: Grows best in hot and humid tropical climates.

• Sunlight: Requires full sunlight (6-8 hours daily).

• Altitude: Thrives up to 1,500 meters above sea level.

Soil Preparation

• Type: Prefers well-drained sandy loam, red laterite, or clayey soil.

• pH Range: 5.5 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).

• Soil Enrichment: Use organic manure, compost, and mulch for better fruit quality.

Planting

• Propagation: Grown through seeds, grafting, and air-layering.

• Planting Season: Best planted during monsoon (June-August).

• Spacing: 8-10 meters apart to allow proper canopy growth.

• Pit Size: 60 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm, filled with organic matter before planting.

Watering

• Young Plants: Need regular watering (twice a week) until established.

• Mature Trees: Drought-resistant, but require watering once every 10-15 days during summer.

• Critical Period: Needs proper irrigation during flowering and fruiting stages.

Pruning

• Purpose: Encourages fruiting and prevents overcrowding.

• Timing: Best done in early spring (before flowering).

• Method: Remove weak, diseased, or dead branches.

Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests:

• Fruit Borer: Damages developing fruits.

• Stem Borer: Affects tree health.

• Mealybugs & Scale Insects: Suck sap from leaves and stems.

Common Diseases:

• Pink Disease: Affects branches and bark.

• Rhizopus Rot: Causes fruit decay.

• Leaf Spot: Leads to defoliation.

Management Practices:

• Organic Control: Use neem oil, bio-pesticides, and manual removal.

• Chemical Control: Use mild insecticides and fungicides when necessary.

• Preventive Measures: Maintain proper pruning, sanitation, and soil aeration.

Environmental Conditions

• Temperature Range: Thrives in 20°C to 35°C.

• Rainfall: Requires 1,200-2,500 mm annual rainfall.

• Humidity: Prefers high humidity levels (70-80%).

Propagation

• Seeds: Take 3-8 years to bear fruit, but show genetic variation.

• Grafting/Budding: Preferred for commercial cultivation, starts fruiting in 3-4 years.

• Air Layering: Alternative propagation method for uniform fruiting.

Uses

Culinary Uses:

• Ripe Jackfruit: Used in desserts, jams, ice creams, shakes.

• Unripe Jackfruit: Used as a vegetable, curry ingredient, and meat substitute.

• Seeds: Boiled, roasted, or ground into flour.

Medicinal Uses:

• Used in Ayurvedic and folk medicine for treating digestive disorders, skin problems, and infections.

Industrial Uses:

• Food Processing: Used in jackfruit chips, canned products, frozen pulp.

• Timber: High-quality wood used in furniture, musical instruments, and house construction.

Monetary Benefits

• High Market Demand: Jackfruit products are exported to Europe, the Middle East, and the USA.

• Income Potential: One mature tree can produce 100-200 fruits annually, yielding ₹50,000-₹1,00,000 per tree per year.

• Value-Added Products: Dried jackfruit, flour, and processed foods increase profitability.

• Government Support: Encouraged under horticulture and agroforestry schemes.

References:

1. National Horticulture Board (NHB) Reports

2. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Studies

3. Ayurvedic Texts and Research on Artocarpus heterophyllus

4. Traditional Knowledge from Indian Farmers and Food Industries