Jamuns - Black Berry

This year, the number of jamun (Indian blackberry) fruits seen in the market is something I have never witnessed in the past three decades. Jamun fruits are literally falling in heaps. Even the trees that had very few fruits last year are now shedding large quantities of jamun. And the trees that already had fruits are now dropping them abundantly. So, what exactly is going on? My grandmother used to say only one thing: “In summers when jamun falls so abundantly, that year brings drought.” Interestingly, her traditional knowledge is scientifically accurate. In plant science, this fascinating and somewhat alarming process is called “masting” or “stress fruiting.” This phenomenon—where trees produce an unusually large quantity of fruits as a last effort—is sometimes referred to as “suicide fruiting” or a “bumper crop.” Let’s understand what this really means and the science behind it in simple terms: 1. Survival Instinct (Fight for existence) As explained by experts, this follows nature’s rule of “survival of the species.” When a tree senses water scarcity underground or anticipates major climatic changes, it enters a defensive mode. The tree essentially realizes that it may not survive in the near future. Instead of trying to sustain itself, it uses all its energy to produce as many seeds (fruits) as possible—so that its species can continue. 2. No new leaves or branches In such years, trees completely stop producing new leaves or growing branches because that would require more water and nutrients. Instead, they conserve their energy and focus entirely on fruit production. That’s why even trees that had very few fruits last year are now heavily loaded with fruit. 3. Grandmother’s observation and science (link to drought) Her observation is quite accurate because plants detect environmental changes much earlier and more sensitively than humans. The jamun tree has a deep taproot system that reaches deep underground. Only when groundwater levels drop significantly do these roots experience water stress. This water stress acts as an early signal of a possible drought or intense summer ahead. In short… The jamun tree is not committing “suicide.” Rather, it is making a final, intense effort to reproduce—ensuring the next generation survives, even if it does not. This cycle of nature is truly remarkable. Here, traditional wisdom and scientific understanding align perfectly. *Conclusion* : *Enjoy jamun this year, but also take this as a serious signal from nature—there is a need to conserve water and use resources carefully, as it may indicate an upcoming dry period……* That's 100% appropriate. Believe it or not. .... Copied from Facebook