ISHS Acta Horticulturae 269: Symposium on Tropical Fruit in International Trade
VEGETATIVE PROPAGATION AND PRODUCTION OF ‘HONEY GOLD’ PAPAYAS |
| Author: | P. Allan |
| Abstract:
Because of variability in dioecious papaya seedling lines, superior plants were selected and a method of vegetative propagation was developed. ‘Honey Gold’ is a high yielding clone with tolerance to anthracnose fruit spot disease. It has been grown successfully for over 25 years by rooting leafy stem cuttings under intermittent mist with bottom heat (25°C). Plants have remained productive for 10 to 15 years under cool subtropical conditions where fruits set only during the warm summer to early autumn period. Fairly consistent yields of 25 to 30 t ha-1 of good quality fruit have given high economic returns. In recent years problems of tree decline associated with nematodes and Fusarium root rot have occurred. Careful control over soil moisture ensures greater longevity. Tissue cultures using apical and lateral meristems of this old clone have failed to proliferate. However on embryogenic and organogenic media mature embryos and shoot primordia, respectively, have been produced from callus cultures. Clonal propagation of papayas can ensure the supply of uniform, good quality fruit to consumers but potential virus infection must be avoided. | |
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files) | |
