Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is commonly grown in home gardens of tropical and sub-tropical countries. The fruit contains high levels of carbohydrates, protein, starch, calcium and vitamins. Jack fruit has diverse medicinal uses especially as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-cancer and anti-fungal agent. Jackfruit is considered to be an underutilized fruit where most of the fruits get wasted due to ignorance, lack of post-harvest technology and gaps in supply chain systems. Jackfruit contains more protein, calcium, iron, vitamins and other essential nutrients, compared to common fruits. To find out the morphological variations among jackfruits in Kerala we conducted an elaborate survey and found out varieties using parameters such as tree characteristics, leaf characterises, fruit characteristics of selected samples as measure. Both qualitative and quantitative data were measured using field visit and standard methods and morphological indicators. After analysis of data morphological variations among the jack fruit samples were identified. This includes the morphological difference between fruit stalk leaf and branch leaves. In the fruits themselves, colour, shape and size are also found to vary among the samples. These variations may have some relationship to climatic factors such as rainfall, pH and soil properties. Morphological variations affect the selection of the varieties. Encouragement should be given to the marketing as well as creation of value added products from this underutilized fruit tree.

Scientific Study from the year 2016 in the subject Agrarian Studies, grade: 1.5, Mar Augusthinose College, language: English, abstract: Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is commonly grown in home gardens of tropical and sub-tropical countries. The fruit contains high levels of carbohydrates, protein, starch, calcium and vitamins. Jack fruit has diverse medicinal uses especially as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-cancer and anti-fungal agent. Jackfruit is considered to be an underutilized fruit where most of the fruits get wasted due to ignorance, lack of post-harvest technology and gaps in supply chain systems. Jackfruit contains more protein, calcium, iron, vitamins and other essential nutrients, compared to common fruits. To find out the morphological variations among jackfruits in Kerala we conducted an elaborate survey and found out varieties using parameters such as tree characteristics, leaf characterises, fruit characteristics of selected samples as measure. Both qualitative and quantitative data were measured using field visit and standard methods and morphological indicators. After analysis of data morphological variations among the jack fruit samples were identified. This includes the morphological difference between fruit stalk leaf and branch leaves. In the fruits themselves, colour, shape and size are also found to vary among the samples. These variations may have some relationship to climatic factors such as rainfall, pH and soil properties. Morphological variations affect the selection of the varieties. Encouragement should be given to the marketing as well as creation of value added products from this underutilized fruit tree.

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus), is a species of tree in the fig, mulberry, and breadfruit family (Moraceae) and is widely esteemed in tropical Asia. The jackfruit tree is well suited to tropical lowlands, and is widely cultivated throughout South and South-East Asia. It is also grown to a limited extent in Australia, USA, East Africa, as well as in Brazil, Mexico and the Caribbean. Producing giant fruits which can reach up to 80kg in size, jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit in the world. It is highly versatile, providing food, timber, fuel in addition to medicinal and industrial products. The ripe fruit is sweet and is more often used for desserts. Canned green jackfruit has a mild taste and meat-like texture that lends itself to being called a 'vegetable meat'. Hence, it is growing in popularity due to its use as a vegan meat alternative. Containing information on jackfruit production technology, postharvest management and processing, this is a valuable resource for researchers in horticulture, plant science, and those interested in sustainable food systems.

Scientific Study from the year 2016 in the subject Biology - Genetics / Gene Technology, Mar Augusthinose College, language: English, abstract: Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is commonly grown in home gardens of tropical and sub-tropical countries. The fruit contains high levels of carbohydrates, protein, starch, calcium and vitamins. Jack fruit has diverse medicinal uses, especially anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-cancer and anti-fungal activity. Jackfruit is considered to be an underutilized fruit where most of the fruits get wasted due to ignorance, lack of post harvest technology and gaps in supply chain systems. Jackfruit contains more protein, calcium, iron, vitamins and other essential nutrients as compared to the common fruits. To find out the morphological variation among jack fruits among Kerala we conducted an elaborative survey and found out the parameters such as tree characteristics, leaf characterises or fruit characteristics of selected samples. Both qualitative and quantitative data are measured using field visits and standard methods and morphological indicators; after analysis of data there is a morphological variation among the jack fruit samples identified. Advances in the genetic markers such as RFLP and PCR based methods are more reliable for identification of genetic diversity than morphological markers although each technique has advantages and limitations. The objective of this research work was to estimate the level of genetic diversity and to assess genetic relationships among six varieties of jackfruit using the ‘rbcL gene’ based on PCR technique and RFLP markers. The partial sequence of ‘rbcL’ gene of six different Artocarpus varieties was used in the analysis. The size of amplified products was approximately 700 bp. After sequencing and sequence editing, sequence information on a 651 bp region was finally obtained for analysis. The alignment of sequences revealed two haplotypes out of 651 sites. The nucleotide frequencies are 27.96% (A), 29.47% (T/U), 19.69% (C), and 22.89% (G). Being one of the underutilized fruits in India, Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam has promising leads to further scientific research and livelihood strategies. The study of rbcL gene using PCR and RFLP seems to be a promising tool in establishing genetic diversity among jackfruit varieties.

Biodiversity is declining at an alarming rate due to anthropogenic activities around the world. This book is the first volume in the new series Biodiversity Hotspots of the World, which highlights the 36 hotspot regions of the world, regions that were designated as reaping maximum benefit from preservation efforts. This series is our humble attempt to document these hotspots as a conservation and preservation measure. This first volume in the series focuses on the Western Ghats and Sri Lanka, construed as forming a community of species because of their shared biogeographical history. The volume explores the diversity and conservation efforts of the extraordinarily rich species found here, including plants, many of which are found nowhere else in the world; forests, which face tremendous population pressure and have been dramatically impacted by demands for timber and agricultural land; as well as the hotspot’s diverse mammals, birds, insects, and amphibian species, and more. The volumes in this series will be essential resources for researchers and practitioners in the fields of conservation biology, ecology, and evolution.

This publication demonstrates the benefits of neglected and underutilized species, including amaranth, sorghum and cowpea, and their potential contribution to achieving Zero Hunger in South and Southeast Asia.