Thursday, March 28, 2024
Crops

Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) Growing Guide

The breadfruit tree grows 12 to 18 metres (40 to 60 feet) high and has large, oval, glossy green leaves, three- to nine-lobed toward the apex. Male and female flowers are borne in separate groups on the same tree: the staminate (male) flowers appear in dense club-shaped catkins; the numerous female, or pistillate, flowers are grouped and form a large prickly head upon a spongy receptacle.

The ripe fruits, or matured ovaries, of these pistillate flowers are roundish, 10 to 20 centimetres (4 to 8 inches) in diameter, and greenish to brownish green and have a white, somewhat fibrous pulp.

Weed management: Mulching young plants helps to preserve soil moisture, maintain a steady supply of nutrients and control weeds around the root system.

Avoid herbicide use around the base of the tree as it can cause damage if it comes in contact with the surface roots or tender trunk.

If the weather is dry, irrigate for the first 1–3 months of establishment. Deep irrigation is important to encourage a deep root system.

Common pests and diseases

Contact plant health experts to identify the symptoms of the likely pest and diseases and the appropriate control measures.

Breadfruits are relatively free of pests and diseases. Snails and mealy bugs can be a problem on young plants and over-watering in the nursery can result in fungal die back.

Pest and disease control

Follow good nursery practices (e.g. monitoring to control pests when they first appear, no over-watering or over-fertilizing). Use insecticidal soaps, sprays, or fungicides sparingly when needed, following manufacturer’s recommendations.

Others

Protect young trees from cattle, goats, horses and other animals that eat the bark and tender shoots.

Read Also: The Environment That Watermelon Grow Best In

Read Also: Micro Farming: Comprehensive Guide and Benefits

Agric4Profits

Benadine Nonye is an agricultural consultant and a writer with over 12 years of professional experience in the agriculture industry. - National Diploma in Agricultural Technology - Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Science - Master's Degree in Science Education... Visit My Websites On: 1. Agric4Profits.com - Your Comprehensive Practical Agricultural Knowledge and Farmer’s Guide Website! 2. WealthinWastes.com - For Effective Environmental Management through Proper Waste Management and Recycling Practices! Join Me On: Twitter: @benadinenonye - Instagram: benadinenonye - LinkedIn: benadinenonye - YouTube: Agric4Profits TV and WealthInWastes TV - Pinterest: BenadineNonye4u - Facebook: BenadineNonye

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