Genetical studies in Carica papaya L.

Abstract

The genetical studies in papaya was done by carrying out a 6x6 complete diallel using the cultivars Washington, Thailand, Coorg Honey Dew, Pink Flesh Sweet (IIHR Selection), Sunrise Solo, and Waimanalo. Heterosis was obtained for the characters number of fruits, yield, fruit weight, fruit volume, pulp thickness, TSS, fruit cavity index and total sugars. The cv. Pink Flesh Sweet for yield and the cultivars Sunrise Solo and Waimanalo for fruit quality have been found to be good combiners. Heterosis can be exploited in papaya on a commercial scale as seed production is easy and the lines can be maintained without inbreeding depression.