Propogation

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 15^oC 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.