S Karnataka's treasure chest of sweetness: Study identifies 11 elite jackfruit varieties

Bengaluru: A new study has identified 11 elite jackfruit varieties in southern Karnataka that could boost commercial cultivation and benefit local farmers.

Conducted by scientists at the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, the study analysed 94 jackfruit trees across the region, focusing on traits that influence fruit quality and market value.

Researchers examined 13 key traits, including fruit weight, flake thickness, sweetness, seed content, and antioxidant properties.

The study found that while larger fruits had higher skin and core weights, smaller ones exhibited better flake recovery — an essential trait for processing.

C Kanupriya, the study’s corresponding author, told DH that the research aimed to leverage the region’s natural jackfruit diversity, maintained by local farmers, rather than relying on conventional breeding methods, which can take up to 10 years to yield the first fruit.

A major highlight of the study was the identification of 11 superior jackfruit accessions, selected for their ideal balance of fruit size, crunchiness, colour, and nutrient content.

These elite varieties, featuring yellow to deep orange red flakes, were also found to be rich in Citamin C, carotenoids, and antioxidants — nutrients linked to improved immunity and heart health.

Gubbi taluk

The popular orange-red jackfruit had the highest representation from Gubbi taluk in Tumakuru district. This geographic concentration suggests that Gubbi may provide optimal conditions for cultivating jackfruits with superior flake colour, making it a key area for sourcing and conserving high-value
varieties.

Aspects of the study

A key aspect of the study was its participatory breeding approach, in which local farmers played an active role in selecting and preserving the best jackfruit trees.

This method integrates scientific research with traditional farming knowledge, ensuring that local genetic diversity is maintained and that farmers are recognised for their conservation efforts.

Farmers sign an memorandum of understanding (MoU) with IIHR, receiving training and support, while IIHR retains 25% of the profits from commercial ventures.

The next step is to distribute these superior saplings to farmers and explore their potential in the agro-processing industry.