The research team, led by Prerna Nath and Sakharam Kale, harvested immature fruits during 2022 and 2023 from experimental orchards maintained at the ICAR facility in Ranchi, Jharkhand, where all twenty genotypes grew under identical conditions to minimize environmental confounding. The fruits were collected at the culinary stage, when they weighed no more than 1.5 kilograms and showed green to yellow-green rinds, firm texture, latex-rich tissue, and undeveloped seeds. Each accession was sampled from three different plants with three biological replicates, and every analytical measurement was performed in triplicate. This rigorous design allowed the researchers to attribute observed differences to genotype rather than growing conditions, a critical distinction in diversity studies.

Morphological measurements alone revealed striking variation. Fruit length ranged from 8.45 centimeters in genotype G4 to 27.95 centimeters in G12, while fruit volume spanned more than a fivefold range, from 433.56 to 2439.17 cubic centimeters. Pulp thickness, rind thickness, and core diameter differed substantially across accessions, and these structural traits translated directly into edible yield. Genotypes G11, G18, and G20 delivered pulp yields exceeding 47 percent of total fruit weight, while G5 and G6 fell below 38 percent. The most efficient accessions combined thick pulp with small cores; G18 and G19 achieved pulp fractions above 47 percent with cores accounting for less than 13 percent of fruit mass, making them ideal candidates for both fresh markets and value-added processing. The findings confirm that simple dimensional measurements such as length, average diameter, and volume serve as reliable predictors of yield potential.

Color analysis exposed another dimension of diversity with direct commercial consequences. Using a Hunter Lab colorimeter in the CIE Lab space, the team tracked lightness, redness, and yellowness of both rind and pulp, including pulp exposed to ambient air for thirty minutes. Pulp was consistently brighter than rind by nearly fifteen lightness units, but its brightness declined significantly within half an hour as polyphenol oxidase enzymes initiated browning. Browning Index values peaked above 80 across the germplasm, indicating widespread susceptibility to enzymatic discoloration, while overall color change values remained below 20 with notable spikes in genotype G19. Accessions such as G11 and G18 maintained higher lightness and yellowness with smaller color fluctuations, marking them as preferable for fresh-cut applications where visual appeal determines shelf life and consumer acceptance.

Nutritional profiling revealed equally dramatic differences in bioactive compounds. Total phenolic content, measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu method, ranged from 227.51 to 950.64 milligrams of gallic acid equivalents per 100 grams of fresh weight, a more than fourfold spread. Antioxidant activity, assessed through DPPH radical scavenging, spanned from 39.06 percent in G13 to 82.15 percent in G5. Interestingly, the two measures did not always align: genotype G5 showed low phenolic content yet the highest antioxidant activity, suggesting that non-phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and carotenoids contribute substantially to radical scavenging in some accessions. Proximate analysis added further nuance, with moisture ranging from 79.43 to 85.55 percent, pH from 4.59 to 5.63, total soluble solids from 6.0 to 7.8 degrees Brix, crude fiber from 1.48 to 3.02 percent, and starch from 5.23 to 6.95 percent.

Mineral profiling using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy quantified eleven essential elements and uncovered genotype-dependent enrichment with implications for biofortification. Potassium, the dominant fruit cation, ranged from 13,310 to 20,820 parts per million. Genotype G2 stood out with elevated calcium at 7,386 parts per million, iron at 85.37 parts per million, and phosphorus at 3,533 parts per million, while G9 peaked in magnesium and G12 in sulfur. Total mineral content ranged from 23,421 parts per million in G19 to 38,161 parts per million in G3, although the authors caution that these values were expressed on a dry-weight basis, which concentrates the mineral fraction relative to fresh-weight reporting. Even so, the diversity in elemental profiles points to opportunities for selecting accessions that address micronutrient deficiencies in regions where jackfruit is a dietary staple.

Perhaps the most practically significant findings came from mechanical texture analysis using a TA.XT Plus texture analyzer equipped with needle, blade, and flat probes. Puncture resistance in pulp ranged from 11.78 to 24.39 newtons, cutting resistance from 207.30 to 473.03 newtons, and raw pulp compressive force from 173.66 to 446.46 newtons. When pulp was boiled for fifteen minutes, compressive force dropped by anywhere from 44.41 percent in G6 to 87.46 percent in G11, revealing fundamentally different softening behaviors. Genotypes G11, G7, and G12 softened rapidly and thoroughly, indicating efficient cooking and suitability for culinary-stage harvest, while G5 and G6 retained firmness, a trait valuable for fresh-cut products that must hold their shape. Deformation energy tracked the same patterns, validating it as a proxy for cooking behavior.

To synthesize this wealth of data, the researchers applied Pearson correlation analysis and principal component analysis to ten commercially important traits. The correlations uncovered meaningful trade-offs: pulp thickness correlated strongly with pulp content at r equals 0.83, but negatively with fruit volume, showing that bigger fruits do not necessarily contain thicker pulp. Antioxidant activity correlated positively with total mineral content and negatively with browning index, implying that accessions rich in antioxidants also tended to resist discoloration. The first two principal components explained 44.93 percent of total variance, with pulp thickness, pulp content, and fruit volume loading heavily on the first component and antioxidant, mineral, and textural traits defining the second. The resulting biplot separated the twenty genotypes into distinct clusters aligned with different end uses.

From this integrated analysis, two groups of elite accessions emerged. Genotypes G2, G9, G10, and G14 combined relatively high antioxidant activity, phenolic content, mineral density, and color stability, positioning them for premium fresh consumption and functional food development. Genotypes G13, G15, and G16 offered superior pulp yield and greater softening after boiling, making them strong candidates for processing and culinary applications. The authors emphasize that these assignments are provisional, derived from a single location and limited harvest seasons, and will require confirmation through multi-environment trials, molecular characterization, and sensory testing before definitive commercial recommendations can be made.

Even with those caveats, the study represents a significant step forward for a crop increasingly viewed as a climate-resilient resource for food security. By demonstrating that jackfruit germplasm harbors measurable, exploitable variation across every trait category that matters to breeders, processors, and consumers, the research provides a practical framework for matching specific accessions to specific markets. As demand grows for plant-based meat alternatives and nutrient-dense tropical fruits, the humble jackfruit tree, long relegated to backyard cultivation across South and Southeast Asia, may finally receive the systematic breeding attention its remarkable diversity deserves.

Subject of Research: Phenotypic and nutritional diversity among twenty jackfruit genotypes characterized for breeding and processing

Article Title: Morphological, nutritional, mineral, and textural diversity in jackfruit genotypes

Article References: Nath, P., Kale, S., Kumar, M., Jha, A., Singh, A. K., & Das, A. (2026). Morphological, nutritional, mineral, and textural diversity in jackfruit genotypes. Discover Plants, 3(1), Article 404. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44372-026-00884-7

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1007/s44372-026-00884-7

Keywords: jackfruit, genetic diversity, plant breeding, antioxidants, mineral profiling, texture analysis, food security, underutilized crops, principal component analysis, functional foods, postharvest quality, Artocarpus heterophyllus

In recent decades, there has been a growing recognition of the critical role that neglected and underutilized crops can play in diversifying food systems, particularly in the face of climate change and population growth. The research undertaken by Wimalasiri et al. aims to shed light on the scholarly output related to these crops, providing insights into research trends, knowledge gaps, and potential areas for future inquiry. The analysis serves as a call to action for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to appreciate and invest in these crops that could contribute exponentially to agricultural resilience.

Analyzing data from thousands of research publications, the study employs rigorous bibliometric methodologies to identify key phrases, frequently cited works, and influential authors within the domain. The results highlight not only the breadth of research conducted in this area but also the collaborative networks that span across various countries and institutions. This collaborative spirit is essential in fostering a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with neglected and underutilized crops.

The authors note that while mainstream crops dominate agricultural research, there is a rich tapestry of lesser-known seeds that can offer unique traits such as drought tolerance, pest resistance, and nutritional benefits. Many of these crops are integral to the food systems of indigenous communities, providing essential sustenance while being deeply entwined with their cultural heritage. The need to revitalize interest in these crops is more pressing than ever, as we witness environmental changes and demand for food shift at an unprecedented pace.

The bibliometric analysis conducted in this research illuminates the historical context of research trends in neglected and underutilized crops. It reveals significant fluctuations in scholarly interest, with periods of intense research activity correlating with global crises such as food shortages and economic downturns. The findings emphasize the cyclical nature of agricultural research prioritization and the importance of maintaining continuous support for diverse crops regardless of immediate pressures.

Notably, the study discusses seed bank initiatives and conservation efforts aimed at preserving the genetic diversity of these crops. Seed banks serve as critical resources for maintaining genetic material that can be cultivated in response to shifting agricultural needs. The authors highlight successful examples of community-led conservation efforts that have revitalized interest in traditional crops, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices that respect local ecosystems and knowledge systems.

Sustainability is a central theme in this analysis. By prioritizing neglected and underutilized crops, the agricultural sector has an opportunity to create systems that are less reliant on chemical inputs and monocultures. This transition is essential not only for addressing food insecurity but also for promoting ecological balance and biodiversity. The authors argue that successfully integrating these crops into modern agricultural practices can create a more resilient food system that is better equipped to adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.

Additionally, the researchers address the socio-economic dimensions of reintroducing these crops into mainstream agriculture. They emphasize the importance of engaging local communities through participatory research methods that respect traditional knowledge and practices. This engagement can unlock innovative agricultural practices that draw upon the rich histories of these crops, thereby facilitating their resurgence in contemporary farming systems.

Wimalasiri et al. also point to the role of policy in facilitating the growth of neglected and underutilized seed crops. They call for comprehensive agricultural policies that recognize the value of biodiversity and promote research funding targeting these crops. Collaboration between governments, research institutions, and farmers is pivotal in overcoming barriers that have historically sidelined these resources.

The bibliometric insights presented in the study are underpinned by rich visual data that depicts the interconnectedness of research themes and contributions. These visual representations serve to make complex data more accessible and engaging, thereby enhancing the communicative power of the findings. The authors believe that effective dissemination of their results can foster greater awareness and inspire action among diverse stakeholders involved in food systems.

Looking forward, the researchers outline a roadmap for future studies that could further elucidate the roles and potentials of these neglected crops. They advocate for interdisciplinary approaches that merge agronomy, ecology, and social sciences to comprehensively capture the multifunctionality of these plants. This multifaceted perspective can catalyze the development of new strategies that integrate traditional agricultural wisdom with modern scientific innovations.

This bibliometric analysis is a landmark contribution that not only maps the landscape of research but also serves as a poignant reminder of the need for inclusivity in agricultural research. Wimalasiri, Tharindi, and Nayakarathne urge their colleagues in the scientific community to pivot towards a more holistic understanding of global food systems that champions agricultural diversity. The call is clear: neglected and underutilized seed crops