Crop production

Cultural Practices

Spacing and planting : In the main field, pits of 45 cm3 are dug at the spacing of 1.8m × 1.8m, which should be filled with red earth and FYM. Arka Krishi All Rounder Talc formulation @ 2-3 kg/one ton of FYM or 2-3 litres of liquid formulation/one ton of FYM may be enriched. This enriched FYM may be applied @ 5 kg/plant at the time of planting and repeated at 6 months interval @ 2 kg/plant for growth promotion and yield enhancement. Instead of pits, trenches can also be dug. In case of dioecious varieties three plants are planted per pit, so that early flowering males are removed, to maintain one male plant for every ten female plants
Propagation: Papaya is generally propagated by seeds obtained through controlled pollination. The seeds loose viability very fast if stored with high moisture content or if sun dried. The seeds show orthodox storage behavior. Seeds dried to a moisture content of (6 to 8%) and packed in moisture impervious container like poly lined aluminum pouch with air tight sealing can be stored at ambient conditions for short term storage (18 months) and at 15oC for medium term storage (2-3 years). Treating the seeds with 100 ppm GA for 8 hours enhances germination. Seeds are sown in perforated polythene bags measuring 20 × 15 cm size with 150 gauge thickness, filled with equal proportions of farm yard manure, red soil and sand. Arka microbial consortium @ 1 to 2 per cent (1 to 2 kg for 100 kg potting mixture) may be added for healthy seedling production. Two seeds are generally sown in each bag. The best time for raising the seedling is between June to October. In eastern parts of the country, seeds are usually sown from March to May, so that the seedlings are ready for transplanting before the onset of monsoon. In North India, where frost is common, seeds are sown between February and April. Seeds germinate in about 2 to 3 weeks time depending on the temperature. In case of dioecious varieties about 100 g of seeds and in case of gynodioecious varieties 30 to 40 g of seeds are required per acre. Generally, 45 to 60 days old seedlings are preferred for planting. Over-aged seedlings either get damaged while transplanting, or break in the field or results in poor flowering and considerable in yield reduction. Of late, vegetative methods are also being adopted for mass multiplication in some countries.
Nutrient mangaemnet: Papaya is considered one of the most economically important and nutritious fruits, being a rich source of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids; the B vitamins folate and pantothenic acid; the minerals potassium, magnesium and fiber. For papaya, fertilizers should be applied once in every two months. Although fertilizer application in a particular region depends on the soil and leaf analysis, generally 90 g of Urea, 250 g of Super phosphate and 140 g of Muriate of Potash per plant are recommended for each application. Total requirement is 250 g N + 250 g P2O5 + 500 g K2O per plant/year. Application of 7-10 kg farm yard manure / plant every six months is recommended in addition to fertilizers. The leaf analysis technique for papaya has also been standardized and recently matured 11th leaf petiole was found optimum. Fertigation also can be followed with soluble fertilizers, which save about 25-30% fertilizers. Apply 100% recommended N and K fertilizers through drip irrigation (50 g N and 50 g K2O) in addition to soil application of 50 g P2O5 at bimonthly interval.
Irrigation: Papaya needs regular water for its rapid fruit development and yield. Irrigation should be given at weekly interval during summer and once in 8-10 days during winter season. The orchard should have a good drainage system as the crop is susceptible to water logging. Ring and drip irrigation are the preferred methods of irrigation. Drip irrigation with 80% replenishment of evaporation losses is recommended. During summer months, the plants should be given 20-25 L of water and can be gradually reduced to 10-15 L of water/plant in winter. Drip irrigation helps to save 50-60% water. Irrigation through drip @ 6-8 L/day/plant gives better yields.

1	N	P	K	S	Ca	Mg	Fe	Mn	Zn	Cu	B
2	1.6	2.9	3.5	2.8	3.8	3.1	4.6	4.0	6.3	5.1	6.0
3	19.2	21.3	21.2	22.4	26.4	24.1	27.6	20.4	28.9	24.3	31.5
4	37.1	33.5	33.3	33.0	41.2	37.3	34.6	38.3	37.5	33.8	39.7

Crop Production