Identification and characterization of jackfruit types (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam. ) In Kasargod district

Abstract

The study entitled “Identification and characterization of jackfruit types (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) in Kasargod district” was undertaken at the College of Agriculture, Padannakkad during 2014-16. The study included survey and identification of jackfruit types in Kasargod district and characterization of selected jackfruit types based on IPGRI descriptor. The data were subjected to statistical analysis to find out the extend of variation among the jackfruit types, to locate the traits correlated with fruit yield and quality and to analyze the genetic divergence by cluster analysis. Wide variability was observed among the jackfruit types studied. In Kasargod district, ripening of jackfruits started by December and extended up to September. However, the main fruit maturing season was from March to May. Seedlessness, gumlessness, flakelessness, high TSS (above 25˚B), fruiting more than thrice in a year, very early ripening (December), high flake percentage and late ripening with good table quality were the important desirable characters observed. Fruit weight exhibited significant positive correlation with number of flakes per fruit, flake percentage and total seed weight per fruit. Perigone percentage showed significant negative correlation with fruit weight, flake thickness, total seed weight, TSS and non-reducing sugar. Cluster analysis resulted in six non-overlapping clusters based on quantitative characters of fruit and four non-overlapping clusters based on qualitative characters of fruit. Among the jackfruit types subjected to characterization, KJ 180, KJ 182, KJ 183, KJ 185, KJ 186, KJ 356 and KJ 397 were the most promising types identified for dessert purpose. KJ 173 (flakeless) was an ideal type for tender jack purpose. Fruiting more than thrice in a year with overlapping fruiting phase was observed in KJ 121. All these promising jackfruit types deserve further research intervention for conservation and popularization.