Perceptual characterisation for quality assessment of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) in Terai districts of West Bengal

India is the second largest producer in the world and considered as the native of seasonal and tropical evergreen jackfruit (Artocarpus hetesophyllus L.) tree. Each and every village of North Bengal, have various types of jackfruit plants which needs to be known for their characteristics. Data were gathered from 60 jackfruit farmers of five villages of Cooch Behar and Alipurduar district through a structured interview schedule. The characteristics of jackfruit plant were assessed through IPGRI descriptor. The results showed that the jackfruit trees of North Bengal were dominated by irregular crown (40.32) and branch shape (39.24) with narrowly elliptical leaf blade shape (51.08), but broadly pyramidal crown shape and ellipsoid flake shape produced best quality vegetable as well as ripe fruit; whereas clavate fruit shape for vegetable and ellipsoid fruit shape for fruit was perceived best. The quality was assessed through matrix ranking of different parameters by group of farmers. On the basis of crown shape, most respondents preferred broadly pyramidal shape tree, acuminate leaf apex, ellipsoid fruit shape, cordate flake shape, yellow flake colour, ellipsoid seed shape and fruit position on the stem. Farmers opined middle time as best production time of jackfruit and pyramidal shape tree as best shape. Broadly elliptical leaf shape, acuminate leaf apex, obtuse apex shape and clavate fruit shape were the most preferred morphological characteristics. Although the farmers are the best evaluator but a scientific level evaluation is recommended for validation of the parameters for universal use.