Performance of the Solo Papaya (Carica papaya L.) in Puerto Rico

Abstract

The Solo papaya (Carica papaya L.), which is the common commercial papaya in Hawaii, was introduced into Puerto Rico. Its performance was studied at the Fortuna and Isabela Agricultural Experiment Substations of this Station. The plantings comprised hermaphrodite and female trees. No tree of male form appeared. The trees started bearing fruits at a height of little more than 5 feet. When about a year old the average number of fruits per tree was 14.15, of which 2.53 were misshapen. The average weight of the fruits was 0.94 pounds; length, 5.21 inches; girth, 10.97 inches; and thickness of flesh, 1.27 inches. The color of the flesh of most of the fruits was yellow and they had good taste and flavor. The female trees were less productive than the hermaphrodite trees, but had fewer misshapen fruits. The fruits from female trees were relatively heavier and roundish in shape. By the end of 1 year in the field all the trees became severely infected with virus diseases, the south-coast mosaic and bunchy top, and stopped growing and bearing. On the basis of the present study the Solo papaya is not recommended for large-scale commercial production in Puerto Rico. However, interested fruit growers may test its performance on their farms by establishing small plantings.