PERTANIKA JOURNAL OF TROPICAL AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE

Artocarpus odoratissimus, an indigenous tropical fruit native to Borneo, is highly valued by local communities for its captivating aroma and promising market potential. However, its commercialisation is hindered by limited knowledge of its phenology and inefficient harvesting practices, both of which significantly affect its shelf life. This study aims to elucidate the phenological growth stages and establish maturity indices for A. odoratissimus to determine the optimal harvest maturity. The study adopts the extended BBCH scale, employing a three-digit numerical system to define the phenological stages of A. odoratissimus, encompassing four principal growth stages: from stage 5 (reproductive part development) to stage 8 (fruit maturation). Fruit maturation progresses through three distinct phases: (i) a 40-day lag phase after anthesis (AA), (ii) a 40-day logarithmic growth phase, and (iii) a declining growth phase lasting 15 to 20 days. Detailed phenological observations indicated that optimal harvesting occurs at ~day 90 AA, when the fruits can be effectively stored, whereas harvesting at day 95 yields fruits suitable for direct consumption. These findings underscore the utility of the BBCH scale as a valuable tool for crop management, particularly for farmers. By providing a clear framework for understanding growth stages, it enables precise harvest timing, reduces fruit wastage, enhances fruit quality, and improves the marketability of A. odoratissimus produce.