Breadfruit tree is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 m high. It has a wide, spreading crown and a short, thick trunk. The leaves are large, leathery, and oblong, with a serrated margin. The flowers are small and white, borne in clusters. The fruit is a large, round or oval, bread-like mass, with a starchy, mealy texture. It is green when unripe and turns yellow or brown when ripe.
About soil condition, the breadfruit tree grows best in deep, fertile, well-drained soils, with a pH of 5.0-7.0. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils and is not particular about soil type, but does not do well in poorly drained, heavy clay soils.
Similar to other fruit trees, the breadfruit tree requires full sun in order to produce a good crop of fruit. The tree will also need a steady supply of water, so be sure to water it regularly. If you live in an area that gets a lot of sun, the breadfruit tree will do well in your yard.
The temperature condition that is best for the growth of a breadfruit tree is between 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range is optimal for the tree to produce fruit. If the temperature gets too hot or too cold, the tree will not produce as much fruit.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant are high humidity and moist soil. The breadfruit tree does not tolerate arid or dry conditions. It is intolerant of drought and will quickly drop its leaves and go into dormancy until conditions improve. If the breadfruit tree is not getting enough moisture, its leaves will begin to turn yellow and fall off.
For the fertilizer, this kind of plant need the manure which is full of the nutrition, such as the nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. In addition, the farmer had better to use the fresh manure, if it is not, the fermentation process will release the ammonia and it will do harm to the plant. The root of the plant is another important factor which will affect the growth of the plant, if the root is not strong enough, it is easy to lead to the wilt of the plant.
Pruning is a vital part of breadfruit tree care. correctly pruned breadfruit trees produce more fruit and are less likely to succumb to disease and pests. Pruning also keeps the tree from becoming too large and unmanageable. Large breadfruit trees can be difficult to harvest and can also be a safety hazard.
Propagation is by seed, root cuttings, or air layering. The tree grows readily from seed, but seedlings are variable. Root cuttings are taken from trees 3 to 5 years old and are best planted in early spring. Air layering can be done at any time of year.
Usually, the plant growth rate is between 30 and 50 cm (1 and 2 ft) per year. In the wild, the trees may grow faster, often reaching up to 6 cm (2.5 in) per year. However, the growth rate of cultivated trees is often slower due to the demands of harvest and propagation.
Common problems for this kind of plant are caterpillars, termites, and lack of water. To control caterpillars, homeowners can use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or neem oil. Bt is a biological control that is safe for people and animals, but deadly for caterpillars. Neem oil is a plant-based oil that works in a similar way. For termites, the best course of action is to contact a professional pest control company. A lack of water can cause the breadfruit tree to produce fewer fruits. Water the tree deeply and regularly during the growing season.
Source:
Agroforestry on Guam: Breadfruit Cultivation - University of Guam
Breadfruit Cultivation - University of Hawai?i
UH Pacific Business Center's breadfruit project wins national
