PROMOTING THE CULTIVATION OF BREADFRUIT IN AMAZONIA

Breadnut (Artocarpus camansi, Moraceae) is known throughout Amazonia, but its clonal form, breadfruit (A. altilis), is not, although it has much more commercial potential. To facilitate the promotion of breadfruit, a simple form of vegetative propagation was developed, and nursery plants were distributedto promote this species. Bottomless PET-bottles showed useful in creating the humid environment needed for the rooting of breadfruit cuttings. It is important to insist with farmers that breadfruit is different from breadnut and needs more care. The developed mini-greenhouse substitutes a misting installation, does not depend on electricity or running water and can be used for rooting of cuttings and grafting of small quantities of woody species. Apoam’s organic market in Manaus played an important role in the promotion of breadfruit’s cultivation and commercialization. A self-service lunchroom was useful in the promotion of this food unknown in Manaus.