Diversity of jack fruit germplasm in Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu

The present investigation was undertaken to develop a variety of jackfruit. Hence, the research was conducted on the bearing trees of different jackfruit genotypes in the Pudukkottai District of Tamil Nadu, India, during the year 2016-2019. Fifty-five jackfruit genotypes, viz., KDM-AhJ-01 to KDM-AhJ-55, were selected for the study to identify superior ones. The season of fruiting in each genotype was recorded and classified into early (March-April), mid-season (May-June), and late (July-August). The genotype 46 was found to be mid-season bearing (May-June, 2016-2019). Meanwhile, KDM-AhJ -08, KDM-AhJ -10, and KDM-AhJ -35 were found to have late season bearing (July to August 2016-2019). The genotypes KDM-AhJ 31 and KDM-AhJ 32 were produced during the main season (March-April, 2016-2019) and also during the off-season (September -November 2016-2019) production of jackfruit. The highest number of fruits per plant (43.33.00) was obtained from 08, followed by 31 (33.33). Maximum individual fruit weight was gained from 46 (16.33 kg) followed by 10 (14.33 kg), and a minimum of (4.67 kg) was observed that genotype 08 was suitable for small families. Yield varied from 62.67 kg/tree to 458.33. Yield was recorded from 10. The highest number of flakes per fruit was obtained from 10 (210.00). The highest Flakes: Seed ratio was obtained from 10 (5.30). Upper limit TSS content recorded to 08 (29.17° brix). The highest total sugar (25.20%), highest protein, lowest acidity (0.10%), and lowest ascorbic acid content were found to be 8. Maximum carotene content was recorded on KDM-AhJ- 46, followed by 8 and 10. Maximum color and appearance of 9.00 were obtained from the genotypes KDM-AhJ- 10. A maximum overall acceptability of 9.75 was observed by genotype 08, followed by 10 (9.00). Genotype 51, recorded for the TSS content of (6° brix) followed by the genotypes viz.,6, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, and 26 (7° brix), was found to have low TSS content, hence it is suitable for diabetic patients. Genotype 37 was identified for vegetable purposes in the immature stage, and ripened fruits were more suitable for table purposes. KDM-AhJ- 31 and 39 identified for thousand fruited jackfruit genotype. Flake color varied from white, yellow, whitish yellow, light yellow, bright yellow, and senthuram/deep orange. The genotypes KDM-AhJ-01, 4, 7, and 10 showed good deep orange (Senthuram color) flakes. Genotype 45 recorded pure white flakes that were very sweet in taste. The owner of this jackfruit farmer, S.Karthick, said this is for Seeni pala. Genotypes 17, 18, and 19 were identified for Tharaipala. The shelf life of flakes varied distinctly among the fifty-five jackfruit germplasms. The genotypes KDM-AhJ -08 and KDM-Ah -10 record for five days. Among the 55 genotypes, diversity was recorded for every genotype. Based on overall performance concerning vegetative growth, yield, and quality, characters were recorded to identify the superior genotypes.