A framework for assessing fruit tree vigour using a participatory and systematic approach: case study of Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis Parkinson (Fosberg)) on Kaua‘i island, Hawai‘i

Abstract

Breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis Parkinson (Fosberg)) is a bioculturally significant staple crop with strong potential to support food systems, particularly in Pacific Island contexts, where climate change and dependence on food imports threaten resilience. Yet, neglected crops like breadfruit lack standardised monitoring protocols to track performance and contributions to agroecosystems. This study presents the development of a Breadfruit Tree Status Assessment; a participatory methodology adapted from the International Society of Arboriculture’s Tree Risk Assessment framework and applied on Kaua‘i. Using a mixed-methods approach, 12 growers contributed to semi-structured interviews, transect walks, and assessments of 59 trees during March–April 2024. The framework integrated arboricultural, ecological, and sociocultural practices to evaluate tree vigour, structure, management. Results demonstrate the framework’s feasibility, reproducibility, and relevance across user groups. Most trees exhibited high vigour despite exposure to climatic events, pests, and minimal management. Irrigation, organic fertilisation, and garden type were positively associated with vitality, while improper pruning introduced defects often followed by vigorous regrowth. Companion planting was common but not directly linked to vigour, suggesting broader agroecosystem dynamics. This interdisciplinary tool offers a robust, replicable protocol for long-term monitoring and stewardship, adaptable across regions and applicable to other culturally significant perennial crops.