Jackfruit - J-33
Artocarpus heterophyllus 'J-33'
Common Names: Jackfruit, Kathal, Palaa Pazham
Local Name: Palaa Pazham (Tamil), Kathal (Hindi), Chakka (Malayalam)
Family: Moraceae
Origin: India (selected variety from Indian breeding programs)
Plant Type: Perennial evergreen tree
Variety: J-33 — high-yielding selection with firm, sweet, orange-yellow bulbs
Average Lifespan: 60–100+ years
🌿 Botanical Description
| Growth Habit | Large evergreen tree with dense, spreading canopy |
| Plant Size | 10–20 meters tall; canopy spread 8–12 meters |
| Leaves | Alternate, elliptic to obovate, 10–25 cm long, dark green, leathery, glossy |
| Flowers | Monoecious; tiny flowers on cylindrical spikes (inflorescences) on trunk and main branches |
| Flower Characteristics | Male spikes club-shaped, female spikes barrel-shaped; cauliflorous |
| Fruit | Very large compound fruit, 10–25 kg (J-33 averages 12–18 kg); oblong shape with firm sweet bulbs |
| Fruit Color | Green rind with blunt spines; orange-yellow sweet bulbs inside |
| Seed Characteristics | Large oval seeds (2–3 cm) enclosed in each bulb; edible when cooked |
| Root System | Deep taproot with extensive lateral roots; strong anchorage |
☀ Growing Conditions
| Climate | Tropical to subtropical; warm and humid preferred |
| Temperature Range | 25–35°C ideal; tolerates up to 40°C; frost-sensitive |
| Rainfall Requirement | 1000–2400 mm annually; tolerates seasonal dry spells |
| Soil Type | Deep, well-drained alluvial or laterite soil; tolerates a range of soils |
| Soil pH Preference | 6.0–7.5 |
| Sun Requirement | Full sun (8+ hours daily) |
| Spacing | 8–12 meters between trees |
| Irrigation Method | Basin or drip irrigation; young trees need regular watering |
| Water Requirement | Moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Can it Grow in Pots? | Young trees only; requires ground planting for fruiting |
🌾 Cultivation & Care
| Fertilizer Schedule | 3–4 times per year; pre-monsoon, post-monsoon, and during fruiting |
| Recommended Organic Fertilizers | FYM (30–50 kg/tree/year), neem cake, vermicompost, bone meal |
| Pesticide Frequency | 2–3 sprays during fruiting season |
| Recommended Organic Pesticides | Neem oil, panchagavya, Beauveria bassiana for borers |
| Mulching Practice | Organic mulch around base; leaf litter recycling |
| Training System | Modified central leader; maintain lower branches for easy harvest |
| Pruning Time | After harvest (September–October) |
| How to Prune | Remove dead, diseased branches; thin canopy for light penetration |
| Common Pests | Shoot borer, fruit borer, mealybug, bark-eating caterpillar, spittle bug |
| Common Diseases | Rhizopus fruit rot, leaf spot, pink disease, dieback |
| Disease Prevention & Remedies | Proper spacing, remove infected fruits, copper fungicides, good sanitation |
🌸 Flowering & Fruiting
| Flowering Months | December–March (South India) |
| Fruiting Season | April–August; J-33 is known for consistent heavy bearing |
| Days to Harvest | 90–150 days from pollination |
| Harvest Indicators | Hollow sound when tapped, strong aroma, spines flatten, last leaf on stalk yellows |
| Average Yield per Plant | 150–250 fruits per tree per year (mature); J-33 is a prolific bearer |
| Pollination Type | Wind and insect pollination |
| Pollination Notes | Monoecious; male and female flowers on same tree; wind is primary pollinator |
🌱 Pollination & Propagation
| Pollination Details | Wind-pollinated primarily; gall midges also contribute |
| Propagation by Seeds | Seeds viable for short period; germinate in 3–8 weeks; not true-to-type |
| Propagation by Cuttings | Difficult; air layering possible but slow |
| Propagation by Grafting | Softwood or approach grafting preferred for J-33 to maintain variety characteristics |
💧 Environmental Impact & Sustainability
| Water Usage | Low to moderate once established; deep roots access groundwater |
| Soil Conservation Practices | Large canopy reduces soil erosion; leaf litter enriches soil |
| Organic Practices Used | Jeevamrutha, panchagavya, composting fruit waste |
| Companion Plants | Pepper vine, ginger, turmeric (as intercrops under canopy) |
| Biodiversity Benefits | Provides habitat for birds, bats, insects; large canopy offers shade ecosystem |
💰 Economic Importance
| Commercial Production Regions | Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Assam, Tripura, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka |
| Market Uses | Fresh fruit, unripe vegetable, seeds as snack |
| Processing Uses | Chips, papad, jam, canned bulbs, flour from seeds, dried jackfruit |
| Market Value (Approx.) | ₹30–80 per kg (whole fruit); ₹200–400 per kg (ready-to-eat bulbs) |
🌿 Cultural Significance
| Symbolism | National fruit of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka; symbol of abundance in South India |
| Traditional Uses | Wood used for furniture and musical instruments; unripe fruit as vegetable; latex as adhesive |
🍈 Nutritional Information
| Calories | 95 kcal per 100g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g per 100g |
| Vitamin C | 13.7 mg per 100g |
| Vitamin A | 110 IU per 100g |
| Iron | 0.23 mg per 100g |
| Potassium | 448 mg per 100g |
| Antioxidants | Carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds |
| Other Key Nutrients | Thiamine, riboflavin, magnesium, manganese, copper |
🌿 Medicinal Uses
| Anxiety & Sleep | Not a primary medicinal use |
| Immune Support | Vitamin C and antioxidants support immune function |
| Anti-inflammatory Properties | Phenolic compounds show anti-inflammatory effects |
| Heart Health | High potassium supports blood pressure regulation |
| Digestive Health | Dietary fiber promotes healthy digestion; seeds used in traditional remedies |
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice.
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