Evaluation of papaya varieties under North Gujarat conditions

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to evaluate five varieties, viz. Pusa Delicious, Pusa Nanha, Pant Papaya-1, Madhu Bindu and hybrid Surya under north Gujarat during 2007-08. Results revealed that the highest plant height at all the growth stages, stem girth at 240 days after planting (DAP),were recorded in Pant Papaya-1 but at 60, 120 and 180 DAP the highest stem girth was observed in Pusa Delicious. The maximum number of fruits per plant, average weight of fruits, fruit yield per plant, number of fruits per plant and fruit yield per ha, gross and net return as well as B:C ratio were recorded in Pusa Nanha followed by Pant Papaya-1. Higher fruit diameter, fruit length and pulp thickness was observed in Pusa Nanha whereas, significantly the highest reducing and non reducing sugar was recorded in Madhu Bindu but TSS was observed the highest in Pusa Delicious. The higher score for appearance, aroma, taste, flavour and over all acceptability was accorded to Pusa Delicious followed by Madhu Bindu. Thus, on the basis of yield, net return and B:C ratio Pusa Nanha is the best variety but with respect to taste, flavour and overall acceptability Pusa Delicious is a preferred variety under North Gujarat agro-climatic conditions.