Jack fruit- Planting activities

Jack is propagated by grafting. Inarching and epicotyl grafting are the recommended methods of grafting. One year old grafts are normally planted. The ideal time of planting is June- July.

Since the viability of seeds is very low, seeds have to be sown immediately after extraction to raise rootstocks.

Inarching is done on seedling raised in polythene bags for 9-12 months. One month after grafting, behead the rootstock above the graft joint.

Epicotyl grafting is done on five days old rootstocks. Three to four month old, 10 cm long scions are used for grafting. The graft union establishes by 80 days after grafting operations.

Prepare pits of size 60 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm at a spacing of 12-15 m. Fill pits with mixture of topsoil and 10 kg compost or FYM per pit to a level higher than the adjoining ground.

Plant the grafts in the same depth as they were in the containers, preferably in the late evening. Deep planting results in poor growth of the graft. Ensure that the graft joint is above the soil level.

Stake the plants to prevent snapping at the graft joints. At no stage it should be exposed to drought or frost.