Jackfruit Cultivation; Know How to Grow ‘Wonder Fruit’

Jackfruit is a species of a tree and comes under the category of fruits but it is also widely used in various dishes as a vegetable also. This is because it has a consistency that is similar to chicken or pork. Jackfruit nearly has a neutral taste, so it can mingle with any gravy, sauces or seasonings you pair it with.  

The nutritional value of Jackfruit is also good as it does not have any saturated fat or commonly known as cholesterol. It contains more than enough Potassium and Fiber & is low in calories. The amount of sodium is also really low in it. Other essential vitamins and minerals which it contains are Magnesium, Copper, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. 

Jackfruit traditionally has been produced from seeds. According to demographic changes there are wide variations in its propagations, fruiting season, shape, size and quality.  

Types of Jackfruit: 

Its two main types are  

1."NangkaBelulang" with firm flesh  

2."NangkaBubur" with soft flesh. 

How to grow Jackfruit Trees? 

Climate and Soil required for Jackfruit Plantation: 

Jackfruit is mainly a tree of lowlands of tropical demography. It has adapted to a wider range of conditions due to geographical variety.  

The best soil for growing Jackfruit is alluvial soils that are deep and of open texture. However, due to a wider range of conditions, it can be grown on different varieties of soils as long as they are well-drained. 

Propagating and Planting Jackfruit: 

Jackfruit is usually produced by seeds. The other method is asexual propagation. For production by seeds, one should select healthy, vigorous, and disease-resistant seeds from productive mother trees. Sexual propagation can be done by enriching or grafting. Among the grafting methods, cleft grafting appears to be the most effective as it is able to counter the devastating effects of a typhoon which usually destroys tall trees. 

The chosen place for the planting should be first cleared from old tree stumps and old roots to avoid termites and root disease. When necessary, the soil should be plowed first, then rows are made to mark the planting intervals. In an acre, 48 trees can be planted. In a new area, the planting interval can be reduced to 25 ft. x 25 ft., and 69 trees can be planted in an acre. 

Usually, the planting holes are left open for 14 days before they are filled up again, and only then the jackfruit tree should be planted. It is important to remember that during planting, the bud patch is not to be covered with soil. It would otherwise cause the bud patch to rot and die.

The amount of sunlight can be reduced by using a shade from coconut fronds. Shading from the coconut fronds can be removed after two weeks if the weather is fine. Otherwise, it should be left for another week or more. 

How to take care of Jackfruit Tree? 

Firstly, while growing the jackfruit tree it should be fertilized with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium applied in a ratio of 8:4:2:1 to 30 g per tree at six months of age. After that, you can double every six months up to 2 years of age. Past the two-year mark, growing jackfruit trees should get 1 kg per tree in the amount of 4:2:4:1 and is applied before and at the end of the wet season.  

The removal of deadwood and thinning of the growing jackfruit tree are also some other ways to take care of it. Pay special attention to keep Jackfruit tree roots damp but not wet. 

Protection from Pests and Disease: 

Fruit Fly:  

It is the most destructive tree pest and Jackfruit is also vulnerable to its infestation. To control it you should wrap fruits with empty cement bags or jute sacks. Spray wrappers with pesticides to reduce fruit damage. 

Bark Borer: 

Another common pest is the Bark borer. This pest removes the dead branches where it lays its eggs. Spray the recommended pesticides and burn affected twigs and dead branches. 

Fungal Pink Disease: 

During the rainy season, Jackfruit can also be attacked by the Fungal pink disease. To prevent it spray plants with Sulphur fungicide at least twice a month during the rainy season. Any severely affected branches should be burnt.