Effect of Fruit Maturity on Seed Viability and Seedling Growth of Eviarc Sweet Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.)

Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) is widely cultivated in the Philippines and ranks among the leading fruit commodities in Eastern Visayas. While the pulp receives commercial attention, the seeds remain undervalued. This study sought to determine the optimal fruit maturity stage that produces seeds with superior germination performance alongside high-quality pulp. Using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), fruits were harvested at eight maturity stages from 80 to 150 days from fruit set (DFFS), at 10-day intervals. Results revealed that seeds from fruits at 100–150 DFFS achieved the highest germination percentages, though germination tended to occur more slowly as maturity advanced. Seeds from 130 DFFS fruits showed the strongest vigor, producing viviparous seedlings with longer roots, wider stem girths, and greater biomass. Seedlings from 90–150 DFFS fruits generally grew taller, while those from 100 DFFS developed broader leaves. Overall, harvesting at 130 DFFS is recommended as the optimal stage for propagation, ensuring robust seedling growth and nursery success. These findings highlight the importance of seed maturity in jackfruit propagation and offer practical guidance for growers and nursery managers. Beyond local application, the study contributes to scientific understanding of seed physiology in tropical fruit crops and supports more efficient, sustainable cultivation practices. By optimizing seed selection, the jackfruit industry can enhance productivity, reduce propagation losses, and strengthen its role in regional agricultural development.