Selection of outstanding papaya plants in commercial environments for breeding purposes

Abstract

Due to market demand, in the producing regions of Mexico the dominant variety is Maradol, in different fruit quality levels, since the type of seed used varies from the original F1, to descendent selections identified as F2 to F5. The above, leads to a genotypic degeneration and segregation. In this way it is necessary an adequate selection of parents and controlled pollination for seed production, and that is adapted to the region of interest. Therefore, the objective was to select outstanding papaya plants adapted to the production area of Michoacán. Through field explorations in commercial plots, papaya plants of the Maradol hermaphrodite type and with outstanding characteristics were identified and characterized. In the plants, flower buds were selected and covered to induce self-pollination. The fruits were collected in the maturity stage and the seeds were obtained. Morphological variables of plant and fruit, health and germination were recorded. 12 orchards presented outstanding plants. The characterization of the progress in the development of floral bud to fruits was variable, since the amount of fruits formed in relation to the buds covered initially was reduced, as well as, it reduced the amount of fruits collected in relation to the fruits formed. Regarding phytosanitary status, the presence of viruses, mites and other insects was recorded in most of the registered orchards. The germination was acceptable. It was concluded that selected papaya plants were identified and characterized based on outstanding characteristics and adapted to the production area of Michoacán, for further improvement study.