PCAARRD Information Bulletin No.

68/2016

JACKFRUIT
A Sweet Success in Eastern Visayas

Department of Science and Technology (DOST)

Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources
Research and Development (PCAARRD)
ISO 9001:2008
About PCAARRD
The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research
and Development (PCAARRD) is one of the sectoral councils of the Department of
Science and Technology (DOST). PCAARRD was established on June 22, 2011 through
the consolidation of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural
Resources Research and Development (PCARRD) and the Philippine Council for
Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD).
The Council formulates policies, plans, and programs for science and technology
(S&T)-based activities for the different sectors within its concern. It coordinates,
evaluates, and monitors the national research and development (R&D) efforts in
the agriculture, aquatic, and natural resources (AANR) sectors. It also allocates
government and external funds for R&D and generates resources to support its
programs.
As a leader in providing S&T solutions for AANR development, PCAARRD
promotes active partnerships with international, regional, and national organizations
and funding institutions for joint R&D; human resource development and training;
technical assistance; and exchange of scientists, information, and technologies.
PCAARRD also supports the National Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources
Research and Development Network (NAARRDN) and the Regional R&D Consortia,
which implement S&T activities for the sectors within the Network’s concern.
Being an ISO 9001:2008-certified agency for its quality management system,
PCAARRD is committed to advance and foster partnerships and reinforce the culture
of relevance, excellence, and cooperation through its good governance and continual
improvement programs. As such, PCAARRD will remain steadfast in catalyzing the
Philippine AANR sectors toward self-sufficiency and global competitiveness.

MAILING ADDRESS PHILIPPINE COUNCIL FOR AGRICULTURE,

AQUATIC AND NATURAL RESOURCES
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines 4030
TELEPHONES Los Baños - (63) (049) 536-0014/536-1956/536-2305/
536-2383/536-5907/536-6980/536-7927
FAX Los Baños - (63) (049) 536-0016/536-7922
MANILA OFFICE 2F Metrology Center, ITDI, Bicutan, Taguig City
TELEFAX (632) 837-1651
E-MAIL pcaarrd@pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph
WEBSITE http://www.pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph

 OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
ISO 9001:2008

Dear Reader,

This publication, Jackfruit: A Sweet Success in Eastern Visayas,

showcases the fruit and its high domestic demand and export potential
as well as its versatility for commercial market. Specifically, we highlight
the successes in Leyte’s science and technology-based farm (STBF) for
the Eastern Visayas Integrated Agricultural Research Center (EVIARC)
Sweet jackfruit variety through PCAARRD’s Techno Gabay Program
(TGP).

We hope this publication provides you with the information you need
and enough incentive to venture into your own jackfruit farming business.

Very truly yours,

REYNALDO V. EBORA
Acting Executive Director
PCAARRD
 PCAARRD Information Bulletin No. 68/2016

JACKFRUIT
A Sweet Success in Eastern Visayas

Department of Science and Technology (DOST)

Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources
Research and Development (PCAARRD)

Los Baños, Laguna

2016
First Edition 2016

ISSN 0116-7736

Bibliographic Citation:

Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources

Research and Development. Jackfruit: A sweet success in Eastern
Visayas. Los Baños, Laguna: DOST-PCAARRD, 2016. 14p. - (PCAARRD
Information Bulletin No. 68/2016)

Disclaimer:

Trade names, manufacturers, and distributors are mentioned solely for the purpose
of providing specific information and do not endorse products named nor imply
criticism of similar ones not mentioned. Mention of a trade name, manufacturer,
and distributor does not constitute a guarantee or warranty of the product. The
recommended practices or technologies are based on research and best information
available so far.

ii
 Foreword
This information bulletin contains success stories of completed
science and technology (S&T)-based farm (STBF) projects funded by
PCAARRD and implemented by selected Magsasaka Siyentistas (MS)
nationwide.

These completed projects generated relevant data/information

from the demonstrations of various S&T interventions introduced in
the MS’ farms. While the STBF enhances the existing farms of the MS, it
also provides an opportunity for other farmers in the locality to see and
consider the effectiveness of applying research and development (R&D)
results in improving the productivity and income of their farms.

Through this publication, PCAARRD hopes to impart knowledge and

increase people’s awareness about the full potential of field tested and
applied science-based technologies in creating business enterprise in
the farm.

REYNALDO V. EBORA
Acting Executive Director
PCAARRD

iii
 Acknowledgment
This publication was made possible through the concerted efforts
of various individuals who shared their expertise and insights in the
preparation of this third batch of the Techno Gabay Bulletin Series.

PCAARRD deeply expresses its gratitude to the following:

• Dr. Leo P. Cañeda, Department of Agriculture Regional Field

Office 8 (DA-RFO 8) Executive Director, and Dr. Jose L. Bacusmo,
Visayas State University President, for the continued support on
jackfruit commercialization in Eastern Visayas;
• DA-RFO 8 staff, especially Dr. Carlos S. de la Cruz, chief regulatory
division and regional focal person, and Mr. Mario Socrates P.
Tisado, Science Research Specialist II, for providing technical
comments and for giving valuable input;
• Ms. Hazel Grace T. Taganas, Regional Technology Transfer
Coordinator; and
• Mr. Job D. Abuyabor, jackfruit MS in Region 8.

Grateful appreciation is also given to PCAARRD for the valuable

support and guidance throughout the development of the manuscripts.

• Dr. Melvin B. Carlos, Director of the Technology Transfer and

Promotion Division (TTPD) and his team composed of Dr. Lilia G.
Bayabos, Ms. Lucy A. Lastimosa, Ms. Diana Rose P. Cabello, and
Ms. Mae A. Dagaas;

iv
• The Applied Communication Division (ACD), led by Ms. Marita A.
Carlos, and its Instructional Materials and Publications Unit staff
Ms. Maria Lourdes D. Ardieta, Ms. Marina T. de Ramos,
Ms. Carmelita B. Alamban, and Ms. Katrina Marie V. Mananghaya;
and
• The Technical Review Team composed of Dr. Jocelyn E. Eusebio,
Mr. Karl Vernon G. Tamban, Ms. Melissa B. Palacio, Mr. Angelito
T. Carpio, and Mr. Allan B. Siano of the Crops Research Division
(CRD); Dr. Mari-Ann M. Acedera and Ms. Marizina B. Javier of
the Marine Resources Division (MRD); Dr. Dalisay DG Fernandez,
Dr. Norida P. Samson, and Mr. Wilfredo C. Ibarra of the Inland
Aquatic Resources Division (IARD); and Dr. Ernesto O. Brown,
Ms. Genny G. Bandoles, and Ms. Jennifer C. Puntanar of the
Socio-Economics Research Division (SERD).

v
 Table of Contents
Foreword ........................................................................................................................ iii
Acknowledgment ........................................................................................................ iv
Introduction .................................................................................................................. 1
Superior Jackfruit Variety ......................................................................................... 2
Magsasaka Siyentista on Jackfruit ........................................................................ 4
S&T Intervention on Jackfruit ................................................................................... 6
Commercialization of Jackfruit in Region 8 ..................................................... 13
References .................................................................................................................... 14
Introduction
Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) or ‘langka,’ as it is widely
known in the Filipino household, is a tropical fruit tree often notable
for its green-spiked fruit and juicy golden yellow flesh when ripe. It has
become the banner crop of Eastern Visayas.

The Department of Agriculture –Eastern Visayas Integrated

Agricultural Research Center (DA-EVIARC) conducted the fruit evaluation
project and has identified three promising jackfruit accessions. After
three consecutive fruiting year evaluations, these accessions have passed
the National Seed Industry Council (NSIC) standard and were registered
as a variety namely, Burabod, Baybay Sweet, and EVIARC Sweet. The
sweetest among the NSIC-registered varieties in the Philippines, EVIARC
Sweet, contains high total soluble solids of 25.15º Brix.

Jackfruit can bear fruit as early as 2.5 years after planting a grafted
seedling. The tree prefers abundant, evenly distributed rainfall
throughout the year and an elevation of 800 meters above sea level
(masl). It grows best in deep, well-drained sand or clay loam soil with a
pH range of 5.5–7.0, and in an area that has proper drainage (ViCARP
2008).

Research and development (R&D) initiatives especially from the

DA- Regional Field Office 8 (DA-RFO 8) pushed to improve jackfruit
production in the region to standardize raw materials for jackfruit
processing. Through the plant now pay later (PNPL) scheme, farmers
acquired jackfruit planting materials from the DA-RFO 8 that is payable
within 5 years. This started the massive planting of EVIARC Sweet in the
region.

Science and technology-based farm (STBF) projects on jackfruit in

Eastern Visayas are led by three Magsasaka Siyentistas (MS) or Farmer-
Scientists. For the STBF on jackfruit production in Baybay, Leyte, MS
Alfredo Bandalan highlighted the use of EVIARC Sweet variety. He was
an awardee of the DA’s PNPL program for jackfruit production. Secondly,
MS Esteban M. Conchas from Calbayog, Samar trained on the sulfite-free
dehydrated jackfruit at the Visayas State University (VSU), and started
production at his own processing plant.
 Lastly, with EVIARC Sweet variety as source of scion for asexual
propagation, MS Job D. Abuyabor showcased the production of cleft-
grafted jackfruit seedlings in Mahaplag, Leyte.

In 2013, the Science and Technology Community-Based Farm

(STCBF) on Jackfruit Production project was implemented in the
fifth district of Leyte including Javier, Abuyog, Mahaplag, Inopacan,
and Baybay and mostly involved PNPL jackfruit farmers. It aims to
increase production through jackfruit growers’ association trainings on
recommended farm practices, field visit, and provision of agricultural
supplies.

Of the three MS, MS Abuyabor’s farm was chosen as the model farm
on the STCBF project for its proximity and successful farm practices
encapsulated in this bulletin.

Superior Jackfruit Variety

The EVIARC Sweet is recommended and the most preferred variety

for fresh fruit and for processing because of its thick aril, high edible
portion (44.58%), and high sugar content or total soluble solids, which
gives a bigger profit margin compared to other varieties.

The R&D initiatives of DA-EVIARC in jackfruit processing have

developed several processed products such as tart, pastillas, puree,
and jam. These processing technologies are now ready for transfer
to interested entrepreneurs. The Department of Food Science and
Technology in VSU has developed several processed products through
research projects funded by PCAARRD.

Considering the demand for its fresh fruits and processed products,
the DA promoted EVIARC Sweet for commercial scale production
through the PNPL scheme. Massive planting of the variety in identified
key production areas was carried out. However, the DA was unable to
supply the required number of grafted jackfruit planting materials.

Because of this, training courses on plant propagation and nursery

management were conducted by DA- Regional Integrated Agricultural

2
Research Center (RIARC) - Abuyog. Participating agencies such as the
Provincial Research and Extension Center (PREC), state universities and
colleges (SUCs), and private nursery operators were given three free
grafted jackfruit upon completion of training for them to establish their
own scion grove and produce grafted jackfruit for sale to interested
jackfruit growers in their area.

DA-EVIARC grafts planting materials for this variety, hence the name
EVIARC Sweet. It has a distinct sweetness and moderate latex.

EVIARC Sweet became accredited by the NSIC standards after three

successive fruiting year evaluations. Its parent tree can be found at the
DA-RIARC, Balinsasayao, Abuyog, Leyte. Scion groves were established
in the different PRECs and at the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)
nursery, while grafted seedlings are available at DA-RFO 8 research
facilities and other accredited private plant nurseries.

The high demand for processed jackfruit leads processors to prefer

the EVIARC Sweet variety for its thick aril and high edible portion and
bigger profit margins.

3
Magsasaka Siyentista on Jackfruit

MS Job D. Abuyabor at his jackfruit farm in Brgy. San Isidro, Mahaplag, Leyte.

MS Job D. Abuyabor’s successful adoption of the package of

applicable technology (PAT) through technology demonstrations led
him to fully plant his 8-hectare (ha) land with jackfruit under coconut
trees. His venture into jackfruit production has opened him various
opportunities to be part of similar initiatives supported by both national
and international agencies such as PCAARRD and the Australian Centre
for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR).

MS Abuyabor started to focus on his jackfruit farm when he left

the local government in 2003. His then abaca plantation was largely
affected by the abaca bunchy top virus, which is why he decided to try
out jackfruit farming.

Prior to the establishment of his jackfruit farm, MS Abuyabor

attended trainings on jackfruit management practices, and then availed
of the PNPL program thru DA-RFO 8. He was immediately assigned as
the president of Mahaplag Jackfruit Growers’ Association (MJGA).

4
 In the midst of promoting jackfruit in the region, he accepted the
suggestion from the regional agriculture office in 2007 to allot part of
his land as jackfruit techno demo farm in Mahaplag. It was funded by
the Under-utilized Tropical Fruit in Asia Network (UTFANET) and the
then PCARRD with an initial area of 1 ha and 156 jackfruit trees.

The jackfruit techno demo farm followed the PAT in jackfruit

production while the other portion of the farm did not implement the
recommended practices.

In 2011, MS Abuyabor was recognized as the MS on jackfruit in

Region 8. He incorporated the lessons learned from other MS into his
farm practices, such as ring weeding once every 3 months, applying the
recommended fertilizer, pruning his jackfruit trees, and implementing
the tagging system, which facilitates harvesting of fruits, especially on a
bigger production scale.

Tagging is an innovation adopted from the PCARRD-funded research

conducted by DA-RIARC, Abuyog in his farm. It is done by writing
the date of fruit emergence on the bagging material. MS Abuyabor
observed that the fruit is sweetest when harvested 16 days before
the ripe stage, and the said innovation became his basis in harvesting
jackfruit.

MS Abuyabor also performed postharvest activities such as cleaning

of fruit, sorting and grading, and tagging each fruit with its actual
weight before storing in a screen-covered shelf ready for selling.

Currently, he has established business ties with big supermarkets in

Metro Manila and Tacloban for fresh whole jackfruit dealerships. Buyers
from Manila provide standard characteristics for fresh whole jackfruit
and each fruit is placed on a single crate which is either picked up from
the farm in Mahaplag or as freight via Tacloban airport.

5
 To MS Abuyabor, venturing into jackfruit production with very
limited knowledge requires a lot of perseverance. The support from
various agencies in implementing the recommended practices
for jackfruit production has offered him a notable difference in
management and farming practices, more importantly, profit.

Learning truly makes a difference when applied on the field. To

interested jackfruit farmers, MS Abuyabor advises them, “Do not plant
jackfruit if you are not willing to attend trainings, because it will be a
waste of investment.”

S&T Intervention on Jackfruit

Three components of the PAT were introduced during the techno
demo at MS Abuyabor’s farm, which included the following:

Pruning

To have a well-formed canopy, open-center method is followed by

cutting the main trunk 1.5 m from the ground leaving 3–4 big branches
to develop a multiple stem jackfruit tree. Pruning of trees was done at
2 years of age. Bearing trees also require maintenance pruning before
the fruiting season. Sprouts, small, unproductive, diseased, and insect-
damaged branches are removed using a pruning saw and or a pruning
shear (Tisado 2010).

6
Pruned jackfruit tree in Brgy. Valencia, Ormoc City (left) and in Brgy. San Isidro,
Mahaplag, Leyte (right). (Photo courtesy of Brenda B. Almeroda)

Pest Management

Fruit fly and fruit borer in jackfruit are the two major insect pests with
economic importance. Losses on these pests were greatly reduced if
not totally eliminated using the Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
technologies generated from R&D activities of DA-RIARC.

Timing of bagging and application of Metarhizium anisopliae

to sweet potato weevil (SPW) Isolate (M.a. SPW Isolate) have been
demonstrated in MS Abuyabor’s farm. These technologies were found
efficient and effective in controlling the pests. Since then, MS Abuyabor
adopted these technologies in his farm.

For zero fruit fly infestation, bagging of fruits is done 10–15 days
after fertilization or when the entire stigma has blackened. He used
empty nylon sack and plastic cellophane, or “sharkskin” in bagging the
fruits. Using a knapsack sprayer, M.a. SPW Isolate was sprayed weekly
from bud formation until a week after bagging to prevent jackfruit
fruit borer infestation. MS Abuyabor gets his regular free supply of
Metarhizium from DA-RIARC Abuyog.

7
 Existing data on the application of M.a.SPW Isolate at the jackfruit
farm of MS Abuyabor shows significant increase of 6.73 on the mean
average number of marketable fruits compared to trees without M.a.
SPW isolate (Table 1).

Table 1. Yield component of jackfruit as affected by M.a. SPW isolate

application (2 cropping seasons, 2011).
Untreated Trees Treated Trees
Parameters
Year 1 Year 2 Mean* Year 1 Year 2 Mean*
Ave. no. of fruits
6.39 3.39 4.89b 11.27 7.15 9.21a
harvested
Ave. fruit weight
9.10 8.84 8.97a 8.79 8.45 8.62a
(kg)
Ave. number of
1.80 1.33 1.57b 8.60 4.86 6.73a
marketable fruits
Ave. number of
non-marketable 4.59 2.36 3.48 2.67 2.29 2.48
fruits
* In a row, means having the same letter are not significantly different at 1% level of significance
using LSD.

Jackfruit farms in Inopacan, and application of M.a. SPW isolate. (Photo courtesy
of Jonalyn Saulan)

8
Brenda Almeroda demonstrates bagging to a farm cooperator. (Photo courtesy of
Jonalyn Saulan)

Phytophthora is one of the major diseases of jackfruit that causes

substantial losses in production. The infected leaves, mostly located at
the top part of the trees, turn orange to yellow and fall off after a few
days.

Being one of the researchers, MS Abuyabor employed different

technology options which were generated through participatory action
research (PAR) funded by ACIAR. These recommendations include
pruning and burning or disposing the affected branches far from the
farm.

9
Integrated Nutrient Management

Technical experts recommended the application of fertilizer at Mr.

Abuyabor’s farm following the recommendation based on the results of
the soil analysis.

In the absence of soil analysis, the recommended type and amount

of fertilizer that can be applied by a farmer is shown in Table 2.

Table 2. Recommended fertilizer in the absence of soil analysis.

Kind of Fertilizer Frequency of
Year Quantity/Tree
Materials Application/Year
Urea (45-0-0) 4 25 g
1 Complete (14-14-14) 4 25 g
Organic 1 2,000 g
Urea (45-0-0) 3 50 g
Complete (14-14-14) 3 50 g
2
Organic 1 4,000 g
Solophos 2 100 g
Urea (45-0-0) 2 100 g
Complete (14-14-14) 2 100 g
3
Organic 1 8,000 g
Solophos 2 200 g
Complete (14-14-14) 2 200 g
4 Muriate of potash 2 200 g
Organic 1 16,000 g
Complete (14-14-14) 2 400 g
5 Muriate of potash 2 400 g
Organic 1 30,000 g
Complete (14-14-14) 2 400 g
6 and above Muriate of potash 2 400 g
Organic 1 30,000 g

10
Farm labor applies fertilizer at distant to the tree. (Photo courtesy of Brenda B.
Almeroda)

Data gathered during the two cropping seasons for jackfruit shows
that jackfruit sales on fresh fruits increased to a total of P312,642.72 or
2,811% upturn (Table 3). Marketable fruits are defined as whole fruits
without damage or and have blemish-free spine. The average price
received on per kilogram basis is P250.00. The price per kilogram is
similar regardless of the fruit weight and fruit size or class, since sorting
of fruits is done to easily identify the customer’s preference.

11
Table 3. Cost and return analysis of jackfruit farm with and without PAT
application (1 ha). (Fruiting season, 2011).
Parameters Farmer’s Practice (P) S&T Intervention (P)
Return:
Sales of fruits (marketable whole fruits) 10,740.40 312,642.72
Cost:
Materials
Fertilizer 627.00 7,685.80
Wrapping materials 392.00 10,672.80
Fuel for under-brushing - 1,800.00
M.a. SPW isolate (distributed for free) - -
Labor - -
Spraying of M.a. SPW isolate 12,000.00
(@ P150.00/MD)
Under-brushing and weeding 125.00 2,646.00
(@ P125.00/MD)
Pruning (@ P150.00/MD) 150.00 600.00
Wrapping, harvesting and hauling 280.00 17,784.00
(@ P70.00/MD)
Fertilization (@ P150.00/MD) - 12,200.00
Tagging (@ P150.00/MD) - 1,800.00
Total 1,574.00 67,188.60
Net Income 9,166.40 245,454.12

Similarly, net income shows 2,577% increase or P245,454.12 despite

the increase in production cost.

12
Table 4. Partial budget analysis of jackfruit farm with PAT application
(1 ha). (fruiting season, 2011).
Cost Benefit
Items Value (P) Items Value (P)
Added Cost Added Income
Materials 19,139.60 Yield 301,902.32
Labor 46,475.00
Reduced Returns - Reduced Cost -
Sub-Total (A) 65,614.60 Sub-Total (B) 301,902.32
Net Financial impact (B–A) = P236,287.72

The complete PAT on jackfruit is available at DA-RFO 8 and DA-RIARC

Abuyog.

Commercialization of Jackfruit in Region 8

Two processed jackfruit products are enhanced to utilize the fresh
jackfruit produce in the region. These are the dehydrated jackfruit
and vacuum fried jackfruit, both started as an S&T initiative of the
Department of Food Science and Technology (DFST) in VSU. The
technology on dehydrated jackfruit is currently being transferred to MS
Job Abuyabor, while Baybay Women’s Organization is the recipient of
the vacuum fried jackfruit technology, through the project, “Technology
Transfer and Commercialization of Jackfruit Products in Leyte through
TechnoMart.”

While the two processed products are the main focus for intensive
jackfruit production, VSU-DFST has also introduced co-products such as
jackfruit gummy candies, jackfruit tart, jackfruit pastillas, and jackfruit
wine.

Through S&T-based interventions, with its high domestic demand

and export potential, the versatile crop is now processed for commercial
market rather than just a fruit dessert or as an ingredient in a native
Filipino dish.

13
References

Visayas Consortium for Agriculture and Resources Program (ViCARP).

Jackfruit production. Los Baños, Laguna: PCAARRD-DOST, ViCARP,
RRDEN, 2008. 15p. – (ViCARP Farm Primer No. 1/2008)

Tisado, M.S.P.; et.al. Technology demonstration on integrated nutrient

management, pest management, and pruning on jackfruit
production in Eastern Visayas. Balinsasayao, Abuyog, Leyte: DA-
RIARC, 2010.
 Production Team
Writer Ms. Jonalyn G. Saulan
Information Officer
Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training
Center 8 (ATI-RTC 8) - DA

Consultant Ms. Brenda B. Almeroda

Officer-in-Charge
Abuyog Pest Management Laboratory
DA - RIARC

Editors Ms. Maria Lourdes D. Ardieta

Senior Science Research Specialist
Applied Communication Division (ACD)
PCAARRD

Ms. Katrina Marie V. Mananghaya

Science Research Specialist II
ACD-PCAARRD

Layout Artist Ms. Katrina Marie V. Mananghaya

Science Research Specialist II
ACD-PCAARRD

For more information, please contact/call:

The Executive Director

DOST-PCAARRD, Los Baños, Laguna
Tel. Nos.: (63) (049) 536-0014; 536-1956; 536-2305; 536-2383;
536-5907; 536-6980; 536-7927
Fax Nos.: (63) (049) 536-0016; 536-7922
Email: pcaarrd@pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph
Website: http://www.pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph
ISO 9001:2008