Know the reason and solution behind the falling of new born jackfruit

Jackfruit Cultivation: The tropical fruit tree known as jackfruit is prized for its distinct flavor, texture, and nutritional content. In addition to being a beneficial fruit and vegetable, jackfruit also has therapeutic uses. In India, it is extensively grown, particularly in the states of Karnataka, West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala.

The early fall of little fruits, however, is a significant problem for jackfruit producers since it lowers yield and results in financial loss. There are several biotic and abiotic elements linked to this issue. This issue may be greatly reduced if its causes are appropriately recognized and appropriate management strategies are used.

Key causes of jackfruit’s little fruits falling off too soon

1. Issues with Fertilization and Pollination

The fruits fall early because they do not develop correctly in the absence of sufficient pollination. The causes of this are:

• Absence of pollinators, such as insects and bees
• Insufficient pollen activity as a result of high humidity or intense heat
• Unbalanced male and female flower blossoming on the jackfruit tree

2. A lack of certain nutrients

For healthy development, jackfruit trees need a balanced supply of nutrients. Fruit drop may result from deficiencies in the following nutrients:

• Nitrogen (N): Promotes cell growth and division
• Potassium (K): Boosts the ability to produce fruit
• Zinc (Zn) and magnesium (Mg): Aid in the maturity and quality of fruit
• Insufficient amounts of these nutrients in the soil cause the fruits to fall and not completely mature.

3. Unbalanced water management

• Fruit drop rises as a result of root rot brought on by overwatering.
• Due to water scarcity brought on by drought, the tree experiences water stress, and its fruits begin to fall.
• Fruit drop and moisture loss result from increased evaporation caused by high temperatures and strong winds.

4. Infestation of Disease and Pests

Insects

• By weakening the tree’s branches and interfering with the nutrition flow, the jackfruit borer (Batocera rufomaculata) causes fruit loss.
• Mealybugs and thrips are pests that harm leaves and prevent fruit from growing.

Conditions

• Small fruits are weakened by anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides), which causes spots on them that make them fall.
• Rhizopus rot: Fruits rot and fall as a result of this fungal disease, which spreads under excessive humidity.

5. Adverse environmental circumstances

• Fruit tissues are harmed by extreme temperatures (over 40°C).
• Weak and little fruits fall as a result of strong winds and storms.
• Overly shaded spots: fruits fall because they don’t mature correctly.

Controlling the Early Drop of Tiny Jackfruits

Improving Pollination

• To attract pollinators like bees to the orchard, cultivate blooming plants.
• Jackfruit fruiting may be increased by using the hand pollination approach.

Keeping the Balance of Nutrients

• Apply fertilizers in accordance with soil tests to provide a balanced supply of magnesium, potassium, and nitrogen.
• Apply foliar sprays containing zinc and boron.
• Use organic manures (such as vermicompost and farmyard manure) to improve soil fertility.

Boost Water Management

• Utilize a drip irrigation system to keep moisture levels in balance.
• Mulching cools roots and retains moisture.
• During the summer, water lightly but not so much as to cause waterlogging.

Control of diseases and pests

• Regularly check, and when symptoms appear, take chemical or biological action.
• Make use of biological remedies such as Beauveria bassiana, Trichoderma, and Neem oil.
• The contaminated fruits and branches should be removed and destroyed.

Reducing negative effects on the environment

• For protection from severe gusts, plant windbreak plants in orchards, such as eucalyptus and subabul.
• Jackfruit trees should be appropriately pruned to provide for enough air and sunshine.