Breadfruit

Description

Climate Requirements

• Temperature: Grows best in tropical and subtropical regions with temperatures between 21–32°C.

• Rainfall: Requires 1,500–3,000 mm of annual rainfall or adequate irrigation.

• Altitude: Grows well from sea level up to 650 meters.

• Sunlight: Full sun is ideal for maximum growth and fruiting.

Soil Requirements

• Type: Prefers well-drained, sandy loam or loamy soils.

• pH: Tolerates a pH range of 6.0 to 7.4.

• Drainage: Must have good drainage to avoid root rot

Propagation

• Methods:

  • Root cuttings (most common)

  • Air layering

  • Grafting

  • Tissue culture

• Seed propagation is rare as most varieties are seedless.

• Nursery stage: Use grow bags as shown in the image; maintain in partial shade until established.

Planting

• Spacing: Plant trees 10–12 meters apart.

• Pit size: Dig pits 60x60x60 cm, filled with compost and topsoil.

• Planting time: Early monsoon is ideal for planting.

Irrigation

• Water regularly during dry periods, especially for young trees.

• Mature trees are somewhat drought-tolerant.

Fertilization

• Apply organic compost or farmyard manure during planting.

• Yearly application of NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) improves growth and yield:

  • Example: 200g N, 100g P, 200g K per tree per year, split into 2 doses.

Pruning

• Prune lower branches and dead/diseased limbs to improve air circulation and shape.

• Maintain a manageable height for easy harvesting.

Pests and Diseases

• Common pests: Mealybugs, scale insects, and fruit flies.

• Diseases: Root rot (due to waterlogging), fungal leaf spots.

• Control: Use neem oil sprays, maintain hygiene, and ensure good drainage.

Harvesting

• Begins 3–5 years after planting.

• Fruits mature 70–100 days after flowering.

• Harvest when the skin changes from bright green to dull yellow-green and latex stops oozing.