XVI International Botanical Congess

A germplasm collection of breadfruit species and cultivars was established at NTBG from 1978-1991. It consists of 173 accessions from 17 Pacific Island groups, the Philippines, and Seychelles. Well-documented and actively maintained, the collection provides an unprecedented opportunity to conduct research on this little-studied crop. Studies on reproductive biology, phenology, yields, fruit quality, and other agronomic aspects can be readily conducted on site. A current study aims to identify and select superior cultivars to provide year-round production of fruits. Molecular and cytological studies now underway will yield information on taxonomic relationships, origin, and distribution of breadfruit in the Pacific. These results will guide efforts to collect cultivars not represented in the collection to ensure maximum genetic diversity and conserve elite germplasm.