Breadfruit Research in the Caribbean: 1980 -2024

Abstract

Breadfruit [Artocarpus altilis (Parkinson) Fosberg] is a tree crop species that was introduced in 1793 from the South Pacific to the British West Indies where the fruits were expected to become a major food source. Research was critical to the successful introduction of the crop, especially in the production-related fields of botany and horticulture, to support plant propagation, long–distance transport, and on arrival of plants, establishment and distribution. The trees thrived and were high-yielding; however, as a food crop, the high level of wastage of the perishable fruits was a major issue. This is the second of two papers describing research activities conducted from 1768 when planning for the introduction of the plant began to the present day. This second paper presents an account of research activities related to breadfruit and breadnut (A. camansi Blanco), its putative progenitor, from the 1980s to the present in the Caribbean region, including the English, Spanish and French-speaking countries. The paper covers food and non-food research activities relevant to the breadfruit industry, food and nutrition security and human health.