Genetic Evaluation of Jackfruit Genotypes refers to the process of assessing the genetic makeup and characteristics of different jackfruit varieties or cultivars. This process can help identify valuable traits and improve breeding efforts. The evaluation typically includes both phenotypic and genomic analysis to determine the genetic variation and diversity within a population of jackfruit genotypes. Phenotypic evaluation involves observing and measuring observable traits such as fruit size, shape, and color, while genomic analysis typically involves DNA sequencing and genetic mapping to identify specific genetic markers associated with specific traits.
Selection criteria based on the desired agronomic, horticultural and quality characteristics are used to determine the potential of a genotype. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis is used to identify the genetic regions associated with a particular trait. Marker-assisted selection (MAS) and Phenotypic correlation studies are also used to understand the relationship between different traits. The overall goal of genetic evaluation is to identify superior genotypes that can be used in breeding programs to improve the productivity and quality of jackfruit.
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) is a multipurpose species providing
food, timber, fuel, fodder, medicinal and industrial products. The trees have a significant role in the preservation of the environment, very effective in the amelioration of soils and prevention of soil erosion (Reddy et al., 2004). Jackfruit is categorized as commercial fruit but it is hardly cultivated in regular plantation and is commonly found in backyards of the houses.
It is a tropical evergreen tree and native to India. It is widely cultivated in Malaysia, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Brazil, West Indies, Pakistan and other tropical countries. Jackfruit is the largest edible fruit in the world and according to Shree Padre (2012) a jackfruit harvested from Panruti region of Tamil Nadu weigh, as high as 81 kg. It belongs to the Natural order Rosales and the botanical family Moraceae.
Jackfruit is commercially grown in over 32 countries of the world and its cultivation is mainly confined to South- East Asia. Apart from India, it is grown in Sri lanka China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, The Philippines and Papua New Guinea. India is the second largest producer of jackfruit in the world with an annual production of 1.83million tones from 0.16 million hectares . In India, it has wide distribution in both South and North Eastern parts. South Indian states of Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu; in Eastern parts of India, Assam, Tripura; Northern parts of India, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and the foot hills of Himalaya are the important pockets of jackfruit growing regions. In India jackfruit is popularly known as poor man‟s fruit owing to low cost and high taste of the fruit.
