A Guide To Jackfruit Farming In Kenya

Propagation of jackfruit

It is not difficult to propagate jackfruit seeds, but you must obtain seeds that are quite fresh. They can lose viability as soon as a month after the fruit is harvested, while some can last up to three months. Soak your seeds overnight in water before planting them in the soil. When the rootstock is less than a year old, it should be grafted. They should be healthy and not root bound, as this can weaken the jackfruit tree over time, resulting in poor growth and fruiting, as well as disease susceptibility.

Planting jackfruit

The jackfruit tree can be simply planted in containers, but big containers are recommended for root development. Keep in mind that the drainage in these containers must be adequate. It works nicely in containers with a 20-inch diameter and a 24-inch depth. Plant the seeds right away.

Maintain a consistent moisture level in the soil while avoiding overwatering. Feel the dirt with your finger up to the first knuckle to see if it is damp.  If it is not, give the seeds some water.

Even though jackfruit thrives in humid, tropical climates with plenty of rain, too much water can cause the seeds and roots to rot.

Young jackfruit trees require daily watering to establish their roots. To water the tree at its base, use a garden hose or a watering pail. Make sure the soil is wet 1.5 inches or 3.8cm deep, but not more, to avoid overwatering.

Spacing jackfruit

The planting distance is 10 metres x 10 metres and 12 metres by 12 metres in dry and humid areas. Therefore, in the model scheme, a spacing of eight metres by eight metres per acre is considered with a population of 63 plants which was found to be expected in the covered areas during the field study.

Fertilising jackfruit

Fertilise your growing jackfruit tree with an 8:4:2:1 ratio of nitrogen, phosphate, potassium, and magnesium administered to one ounce or 30 g per tree at six months of age, doubling every six months until the tree is two years old. Growing jackfruit trees should yield 35.5 ounces after two years (one kilogramme)

Best practice

Pruning the tree will allow for better ventilation and a reduction in relative humidity in the canopy. Remove sick fruit from trees and the ground and destroy it. Remove decaying organic debris from the tree and the area around it. Make sure there is no water ponding around the tree’s root zone.

Jackfruit Maturity

90 to 110 days after the emergence of the spike has been identified as the optimal harvest maturity stage for jackfruit. The spines on the fruit’s exterior flatten as it ripens to full maturity. Harvesting is done by chopping off the fruit-bearing footstalks.

Even though trees take a long time to develop, jackfruit trees grow quickly. You should expect your jackfruit tree to yield harvestable fruits three to four years after planting. Allow jackfruit to mature on the counter. When the fruit is fully ripe, it should yield slightly when pressed.

Refrigerate for up to seven days or freeze for up to two months after wrapping sliced fruit tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container.

Pest and disease control in jackfruit

In production and management, we must prevent and control several diseases such as anthracnose, powdery mildew, gummosis, and other diseases, and kill armyworm, leafhoppers, and longhorn beetle ensure the average growth of jackfruit. It is also essential to take care of pests and diseases in the care of jackfruit trees.

Jackfruit seedlings can be purchased at Farmers Trend nurseries by contacting +254724559286 or 0790509684