Bengkulu has agroclimatic conditions that have the potential for the development of various plant resources, including jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamk). This study aims to conduct morphological characterization and identify the biodiversity of superior jackfruit in Muara Bangkahulu District, Bengkulu City, Indonesia. This research was conducted from August to November 2024 on 10 jackfruit trees from five villages in the Muara Bangkahulu sub-district. The method used was observation with purposive sampling. Morphological identification uses quantitative and qualitative data based on IPGRI descriptors (2000). Data analysis included variance analysis, standard deviation, and similarity using the PBSTAT (Plant Breeding Statistic) program. Morphological characteristics observed were a crown shape, branching pattern, leaf blade shape, leaf length, leaf width, and stem circumference. Dendrogram analysis showed that jackfruit in the Muara Bangkahulu sub-district has a coefficient value of 0.0-0.6, which is divided into two main groups. Group 1 consisting of Kandang Limun 1, Rawa Makmur Permai 3, Rawa Makmur Permai 4, Beringin Raya 5, Beringin Raya 6, and Pematang Gubernur 7 has a similarity coefficient value of 0.55. Group 2 consists of Kandang Limun 2, Pematang Gubernur 8, Bentiring Permai 9, and Bentiring Permai 10, which have a similarity of 0.45. Fruit sample analysis showed oval and ellipsoid-fruits, fruit weight ranged from 5 kg - 8.2 kg. Fruit soluble solids concentration (SSC) ranged from 21% - 26% Brix indicating variation and superior traits for breeding programs. This diversity can be utilized as an early stage in the identification of superior germplasm sources.
Bidayah et al. (Mon,) studied this question.