Papaya Cultivation; Chapter 3 - Cultivation Process & Proceedures

Climate 

 

Papaya flourishes in the frost-free and humid areas of the tropics and subtropics. They may be damaged or die if exposed to prolonged frost, and prefer climates that are warm throughout most of the year. An average temperature of 25°C is optimum. Papaya trees are fast growing and have an upright growth pattern. In tropical conditions they flower within 6 months after planning and will continue flowering throughout the year. The plant requires rainfall between 1500-2000 mm, which needs to be spread throughout the year. Due to its soft wood and flat root system, the papaya is very susceptible to wind break, especially in mono-culture. Papaya trees do poorly in wet soil. If your climate is rainy, you may plant them on a mound of well-draining soil as described further on.

1.  Although a mature papaya tree can withstand a temperature of -2°C. Production is only recommended where the average daily minimum temperature during the midwinter never drops below 5°C.
2. Ideally, night temperature should not drop below 12°C.
3.  The optimum temperature range for papaya is between 25 and 28°C.
4. Temperature higher than 36°C and lower than 17°C for extended periods of time will adversely affect the growth of the trees.
5.  At average day temperature (+/- 23°C) it will take about 6 months from flowering for the fruit to mature.
6. The lower the temperature the longer it will take for the fruit to mature and the other way round. After the winter the trees are in recovering stage and few flowers are produced.
7. Production normally peaks from September to November.

Soil requirements 

Papayas grow and produce well on a wide variety of soil types. The tree often develops a fairly strong taproot shortly after planning. He root system can, under favorable conditions, penetrates the soil to a depth of 2 m, but most of the roots responsible for nutrient uptake are found in the top 500 mm of soil, with the largest concentration in the top 250 mm.

1. Drainage – Papaya grow best on soil with a slight slope, because it enables the runoff or drainage of excess water and therefore prevents water-logging. Papaya roots will die off in over-saturated and poorly drained soils such as depressions or basins as a result of a lack of aeration. Impermeable layers in the soil adversely affect growth and production of the plant and can lead to infection with root diseases.
2. Depth – Under irrigation, papaya grow optimally in soils with an unimpeded depth of more 1 m. However, if irrigation is well planned and manages, there should be no problem on with an unimpeded depth of 750 mm, provided that no drainage problems occur at that depth.
3. Texture – The ideal soil texture for papaya cultivation under irrigation is a sandy loam or loam soil (i.e. with clay content of 15 % to 30 %), butt soils with a clay content of up to 50 % are also suitable.
4. Soil structure – The ideal soil has fairly loose, brittles, crumbly structure. A compact or strongly developed soil structure will adversely affect water infiltration and root penetration. These soils are normally associated with very high clay content in the subsoil.
5. Soil pH – papaya grows best in soils with pH values of 6 to 6.5. If the soil exchangeable aluminum is not more than 30 ppm, soil with pH of 5.5 or higher may be used.

Fetilisation 

Papaya prefers a high soil-fertility. This should be considered when choosing a site. Additionally, a balanced mixed cultivation system with a substantial production of organic material, high turnover and plenty of soil activity is essential to a healthy papaya plantation. Well-rotted compost should be added to each seedling before covering. The compost can be mixed with the excavated soil. For a high yield of papaya per harvest, the following nutrients must be added annually per hectare.

Nitrogen (N)            : 100 kg

Phosphate (P)         :   40 kg

Potassium (K)          :   60 kg

Micronutrients are also very necessary part and play a significant role in production and quality of the fruits. Papaya plants with a boron deficiency have lumpy fruit, reduced fruit set and show poor growth. To prevent deficiency fertilization must be incorporated into the fertilization program from the onset. Similarly, all the other micronutrients like Zn, Mn, Mg, Fe, Ca, and S also require proper attention and application in various available forms (For detailed information about fertilizer selection and nutrient application please mail me personally).

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