Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Phenology under Different Agronomic Conditions in the Subtropics

Abstract

European consumers have perceived that papaya fruits produced in subtropical areas (the Canary Islands and Mediterranean regions) do not have the desired quality at certain periods of the year. Thus, the development of technical and management strategies to optimize the yield and the quality of the fruit requires crop phenology studies. Meteorological variables (air temperature, relative humidity, and photosynthetically active radiation) and morphological characteristics (plant height, leaf emission rate, and leaf area) were recorded throughout the crop cycle. All the leaves and fruits were labeled in their anthesis week to calculate the source–sink ratio and to study the development and quality of the fruits. Data were collected in three commercial orchards representing two different types of systems, greenhouse and screenhouse, and two different regions: two plastic cover greenhouses located in the south (SP) and in the north (NP) of Tenerife, and one 40-mesh net screenhouse in the north of the island (NN). The selection of these cultivation systems and locations was made deliberately, so that the ambient variables within these crop protection structures were different throughout the cultivation cycle in order to better fit the model construction. The results suggested that in order to maintain good fruit quality, better environmental control is necessary inside the greenhouses and the screenhouse. Monitoring variables such as the growing degree days, the photosynthetically active radiation, and the number of fruits per plant leaf area ratio provided useful information for papaya production management in the Canary Islands and other subtropical areas, allowing farmers to predict harvest and fruit quality.

Determination of the Best Planting Season for the Protected Cultivation of Papaya

“…In the work above cited [16], 'Intenzza' seedlings transplanted in June showed an important frequency of functionally male useless flowers during the following months, thus evidencing that harsh conditions of summer affect negatively flower differentiation weeks later. These results also confirm the different performance of a given cultivar (in this case, 'Intenzza') depending on the planting season and especially according to the prevalent environmental conditions, as stated by Cabrera et al [10]. Nonetheless, in comparison with the yields here measured, that 20-month-long summer cycle was more productive.…”

“…In subtropical papaya-producing areas of Europe, seasonal climate occurs and temperatures above optimum are reached in summer, and below in winter [6,9,10]. Seasonality affects crop performance, resulting in fruit setting failures in different sectors of the trunk.…”

Effect of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Carotenoids from Papaya (Carica papaya L. cv. Sweet Mary) Using Vegetable Oils

“…Sweet Mary is an interesting variety to investigate due to its high concentration in bioactive compounds and to promote national production and commercialization. Currently, Spain is the largest papaya producer in Europe (annual production of 15,000 tons, approximately) and the Canary Islands are Molecules 2022, 27, 638 2 of 18 the largest producers (farms totaling 300 ha) [2,3]. Papaya is a climacteric fruit, in which maturation occurs very sudden after recollection.…”

Effects of Atom Search-Optimized Thornthwaite Potential Evapotranspiration on Root and Shoot Systems in Controlled Carica papaya Cultivation

“…It is known as a semi-woody, short-lived perennial herb that typically has a single stem and produces latex [3]. The photosynthetic process and growth of this species can be influenced by edaphic and environmental factors such as wind, soil chemical and physical properties, light, relative humidity, air temperature, soil water content, and mineral nutrients, while production is affected by biotic variables like mycorrhizal fungus and genotype [4]. Moreover, water availability and sufficient tissue turgidity are required to preserve the stem's rigidity and boost productivity [3].…”