👨🌾 Expert answer: Joseph John Thekkuzhiyil, Assistant Director, Department of Agriculture, Pazhavangadi, Thrissur.
E-mail: johntj139@gmail.com
Jackfruits from the fruiting jackfruit tree are falling off. If the small jackfruits on a jackfruit tree are falling, the reason may be that the tree produces more fruitlets than it needs. There is no need to worry about that in many cases.
However, if the jackfruit falls after growing large, several things might have to be investigated. Waterlogging should be avoided. Nutrient deficiency, insect attacks, and diseases can all cause jackfruit to fall. Each of these can be examined in detail.
⚠️ The key is to separate natural bud shedding from serious fruit drop after the jackfruit has grown large.
Question: I do not know where I got it from. The small jackfruits on my jackfruit tree are falling off. What is the way to control this?
From: balakrishnanc1@gmail.com
More fruitlets than needed
The reason jackfruits fall is that the tree produces more fruitlets than it needs.
They are still buds
What is forming on the tree now are buds. Even if they look like small fruitlets, not all the forming buds will become large jackfruits.
Only a few grow large
Very few will become large jackfruits. After reaching a specific maturity, many buds will fall off.
Mulching helps
Mulching will reduce the falling of buds, especially where stress around the root zone is contributing.
🔍 If the jackfruit falls after growing large, several things might have to be investigated. Waterlogging should be avoided.
- ✅ Waterlogging: Avoid stagnant water around the jackfruit tree root zone.
- ✅ Nutrient deficiency: Weak nutrition can contribute to fruit fall.
- ✅ Insect attacks: Pest pressure should be examined carefully.
- ✅ Diseases: Disease symptoms on the plant and fruit should also be checked.
The first step is to loosen the soil around the plant and apply fertilizer. Organic and chemical fertilizers can be given.
For one plant, 20 kg of well-decomposed cow dung or compost, or if using complex fertilizers, 5 kg of each, can be given to the jackfruit tree.
It should be applied in a circular basin made at arm length from the tree. If this is not convenient, it can be put in sacks and placed.
Question: I am unable to get rid of the weaver ants in my compound. I am greatly troubled by their nuisance.
From: V.T. Thomas, Vechur.
Weaver ants never attack crops. However, they come to protect sap-sucking pests like mealybugs like a shield and to consume the sweet liquid that oozes from their bodies.
Therefore, along with getting rid of the weaver ants, it is also necessary to control these pests.
🌿 Mix 30 grams of a neem oil-garlic mixture and 10 grams of soap solution, work it into a lather, and spray it on the plants.
Spray direction
This should be sprayed from the bottom of the plant to the top.
Spray locations
Spray on the stems, the underside of the leaves, and on the parts where weaver ants have laid eggs.
Fast observation
You can see the mealybugs fall down within 5 minutes.
Control result
It can be controlled most of the time when both ants and mealybugs are managed together.
Check whether water is stagnating near the jackfruit tree.
Loosen the soil and apply compost, cow dung, or recommended complex fertilizers.
Look for insect attacks, mealybugs, and related pest activity.
Use mulching to reduce stress and reduce bud falling.
Why are small jackfruits falling from my tree?
Small jackfruits may fall because the tree produces more fruitlets than it needs. Many early structures are still buds, even if they look like small jackfruits. Very few become large fruits, and many naturally fall after reaching a certain stage.
Should I worry if young jackfruit buds fall?
There is often no need to worry when young buds or very small fruitlets fall. This can be natural shedding. However, if fruits fall after growing large, then waterlogging, nutrient deficiency, insect attack, and diseases should be examined carefully.
How can I reduce jackfruit bud falling?
Mulching can reduce the falling of buds by helping the root zone retain moisture and reducing stress. The soil around the plant can also be loosened, and suitable organic or chemical fertilizers may be applied to support the jackfruit tree.
What fertilizer is recommended for a jackfruit tree dropping fruit?
For one jackfruit plant, 20 kg of well-decomposed cow dung or compost can be applied. If complex fertilizers are used, 5 kg of each can be given. Apply it in a circular basin at arm length from the tree, or place it in sacks if basin application is not convenient.
Can waterlogging cause jackfruit fruit drop?
Yes. Waterlogging should be avoided around jackfruit trees. If large jackfruits are falling, stagnant water near the roots is one of the first conditions to inspect, along with nutrient deficiency, insect attacks, and diseases.
Do weaver ants damage crops directly?
Weaver ants never attack crops directly. They often appear because they protect sap-sucking pests like mealybugs and consume the sweet liquid from their bodies. So controlling the mealybugs is necessary along with reducing the weaver ant nuisance.
What spray helps control weaver ants and mealybugs?
Mix 30 grams of a neem oil-garlic mixture with 10 grams of soap solution, work it into a lather, and spray from the bottom of the plant to the top. Cover stems, the underside of leaves, and areas where weaver ants have laid eggs.
