Asexual reproduction: an alternative for the propagation and conservation of papaya (Carica papaya L.) native to Guerrero, Mexico

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the effect of three types of substrate and different shoot lengths onthe rooting of Carica papaya L. shoots.Design/ methodology/ approach: This experiment followed a completely randomizeddesign with a 2×3 factorial arrangement. Shoots of 30 and 40 cm of length werecollected in March 2018 from the lateral branches of papaya plants (Carica papaya L.)native to various regions of Guerrero. Shoots were placed in different substrates: 1)sand, 2) Peat Moss®, and 3) sand and Peat Moss® mixture (70:30, v/v). Sixty days afterplanting, rooting percentage, root length, plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves,crown diameter, biomass fresh weight, biomass dry weight, root fresh weight, and rootdry weight were evaluated. Data were analyzed through an analysis of variance and amean difference test (Tukey, p?0.05).Results: The rooting of 40- and 30-cm shoots was 60 and 50%, respectively. Plantswith the highest height, number of leaves, root length, and crown diameter derived from 240-cm shoots. Sand was the best substrate for rooting, where plants with higher freshbiomass were significantly developed.Study limitations/ implications: Continue study during the flowering and fruitingstages.Findings/ conclusions: This protocol allows the rooting of papaya shoots.