Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) Pests and Diseases: Identification, Symptoms, and Integrated Management Practices

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) Pests and Diseases: Identification, Symptoms, and Integrated Management Practices

Introduction

Jackfruit is one of the most important tropical fruit crops grown widely across India, especially in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and northeastern states. Known as the “poor man’s fruit”, jackfruit is rich in carbohydrates, dietary fiber, vitamins (A, C, B-complex), minerals, and antioxidants. Both tender and ripe fruits have high market demand, while seeds and timber also add economic value.

Despite its hardy nature, jackfruit cultivation faces serious challenges due to insect pests and diseases. Infestation at critical growth stages can lead to flower drop, fruit damage, poor quality, reduced shelf life, and heavy yield losses. Diseases further weaken tree vigor and can even cause plant death under severe conditions.

Early identification of pests and diseases and adoption of Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM) practices are essential for sustainable jackfruit production. IPDM combines cultural, biological, mechanical, and chemical methods to minimize losses while protecting the environment and beneficial organisms.

Major Insect Pests of Jackfruit

1. Fruit Borer (Perina nuda / Other lepidopteran borers)

Identification & Damage Symptoms

  • Larvae bore into developing fruits
  • Entry holes with frass (waste material)
  • Premature fruit drop and internal rotting

Favorable Conditions

  • Warm and humid climate
  • Flowering to fruit development stage

Management Practices

  • Cultural: Collect and destroy infested fruits
  • Mechanical: Light traps to monitor moths
  • Biological: Neem oil (3–5 ml/L), Beauveria bassiana
  • Chemical: Emamectin benzoate or Spinosad (use only if infestation is severe)

Larvex: https://www.khethari.com/products/larvex-insecticide?_pos=1&_sid=d59700504&_ss=r

2. Shoot and Trunk Borer (Batocera rufomaculata)

Identification & Damage Symptoms

  • Holes on trunk with sap oozing
  • Frass at the base of the tree
  • Wilting and branch drying

Favorable Conditions

  • Poor orchard sanitation
  • Old and neglected orchards

Management Practices

  • Cultural: Maintain clean orchards, avoid wounds
  • Mechanical: Insert iron wire into bore holes to kill grubs
  • Biological: Neem cake application near root zone
  • Chemical: Inject Chlorpyrifos solution into bore holes and seal with mud

3. Mealybugs (Drosicha mangiferae)

Identification & Damage Symptoms

  • White cottony masses on leaves, shoots, fruits
  • Honeydew secretion leading to sooty mold
  • Stunted growth

Favorable Conditions

  • Dry weather
  • Dense canopy and excess nitrogen

Management Practices

  • Cultural: Prune infested branches
  • Mechanical: Sticky bands on trunk
  • Biological: Release ladybird beetles (Cryptolaemus)
  • Chemical: Imidacloprid or Thiamethoxam (recommended dose)

4. Aphids and Scale Insects

Symptoms

  • Leaf curling and yellowing
  • Sticky honeydew and sooty mold
  • Reduced photosynthesis

Management

  • Neem oil spray (3 ml/L)
  • Encourage natural enemies
  • Use systemic insecticides only if needed

Dr. Eliminator : https://www.khethari.com/products/dr-eliminator-insecticide?_pos=1&_sid=16347352b&_ss=r

5. Leaf-Eating Caterpillars

Symptoms

  • Skeletonized leaves
  • Heavy defoliation in young plants

Management

  • Handpicking in early stages
  • Neem-based biopesticides
  • Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)

Major Diseases of Jackfruit

1. Fruit Rot (Rhizopus spp., Phytophthora spp.)

Symptoms

  • Soft, watery rotting of fruits
  • Foul smell and fungal growth

Favorable Conditions

  • Rainy season
  • Poor aeration

Management

  • Remove infected fruits
  • Improve drainage
  • Spray Copper oxychloride or Metalaxyl + Mancozeb

2. Soft Rot

Symptoms

  • Fruit softening and tissue breakdown
  • Rapid spread during storage

Management

  • Harvest fruits carefully
  • Avoid injuries
  • Use bio-fungicides

3. Pink Disease (Corticium salmonicolor)

Symptoms

  • Pinkish fungal growth on branches
  • Bark cracking and branch dieback

Management

  • Prune affected branches
  • Apply Bordeaux paste
  • Spray Copper fungicides

4. Leaf Spot (Colletotrichum spp.)

Symptoms

  • Brown or black spots on leaves
  • Premature leaf fall

Management

  • Orchard sanitation
  • Spray Mancozeb or Carbendazim (rotate fungicides)

5. Root Rot / Collar Rot (Phytophthora spp.)

Symptoms

  • Yellowing leaves
  • Wilting and tree death
  • Bark rotting near soil line

Management

  • Good drainage
  • Soil drenching with Metalaxyl
  • Apply Trichoderma viride in root zone

6. Bacterial Blight

Symptoms

  • Water-soaked leaf lesions
  • Gum exudation on stem

Management

  • Use disease-free planting material
  • Spray Copper-based bactericides

Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM) in Jackfruit

  • Combine cultural, biological, mechanical, and chemical methods
  • Use healthy, disease-free saplings
  • Regular orchard monitoring
  • Maintain soil health with organic manures
  • Promote beneficial microbes like Trichoderma and Pseudomonas

Preventive Measures for a Healthy Jackfruit Orchard

  • Maintain proper spacing and pruning
  • Avoid water stagnation
  • Apply balanced fertilizers
  • Follow timely spray schedules
  • Remove and destroy diseased plant parts

Conclusion

Pests and diseases are major constraints in profitable jackfruit cultivation, but timely identification and scientific management can significantly reduce losses. Adopting Integrated Pest and Disease Management (IPDM) practices helps farmers achieve higher yields, better fruit quality, and long-term orchard sustainability. Emphasis on preventive care, biological control, and eco-friendly approaches not only protects the crop but also preserves soil health and the environment. With regular monitoring and balanced management strategies, jackfruit growers can ensure healthy trees and consistent income year after year.

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