THE IMPORTANCE AND USE OF BREADFRUIT CULTIVARS IN POHNPEI, FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA

Recent studies and direct observation indicate the need for conserving traditional knowledge relating to the different breadfruit cultivars in Pohnpei. Breadfruit is a major staple food of Pohnpei and is particularly important in the subsistence economy, with even the names of the two seasons of the year reflecting breadfruit availability. “Rahk” meaning “the season of plenty” refers to the breadfruit season and “isol,” the “season of scarcity” refers to the scarcity of breadfruit and other foods during the yam season. The normal breadfruit season extends from April-September. Production can be year-round, depending on the management capacity of the farmers and the availability of early and late-maturing cultivars. The purpose of this study was to collect, characterize and document information, including indigenous knowledge, on these breadfruit cultivars. This study reinforced the notion that such efforts should continue to be taken for purposes of food security, health, culture and economic benefits.