Journal of Applied Horticulture. 2002: 4(1): 35-36

Performance of papaya (Carica papaya L.) cultivars under Nagaland foot hill conditions

Naresh Babu; Anamika Sharma

ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Jharnapani - 797 106, India.

Plant height and fruit characteristics were evaluated during 1998/99 and 1999/2000 in 12 pawpaw cultivars (Co-1, Co-2, Co-3, Co-4, Co-5, Co-6, Pusa Dwarf, Pusa Delicious, Pusa Giant, Pusa Majesty, Coorg Honey Dew and Honey Dew) grown in Jharnapani, Nagaland, India. Plant height (243.300 cm), and fruit length (38.840 cm), width (43.800 cm) and weight (2445.780 g) were greatest in Pusa Giant. Pusa Delicious recorded the greatest fruit set (55.400%), number of fruits per plant (31.100), and fruit pulp/peel ratio (11.100) and total soluble solids content (14.08%). Peel percentage was lowest in Co-4 (6.560%). Pusa Majesty fruits had the highest seed percentage (0.970%). Fruit yield was highest in Coorg Honey Dew (41.070 kg per plant). Fruit total carotenoids content was highest in Pusa Dwarf (7.730 mg/100 g). Honey Dew fruits were characterized by the greatest total sugar (12.450%), reducing sugar (11.570%) and nonreducing sugar (0.880%) contents, acidity (0.100%), and sugar/acid ratio (124.500). Co-5 fruits had the highest ascorbic acid content (71.860 mg/100 g).