New Physiological Disorders in Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Fruit or Seed Production, Market Acceptability and Economic Losses in North-East Plain Zone

Several physiological disorders have been identified in papaya seed production under agro-climatic conditions of North-Eastern Plains Zone (NEPZ). Systematic field screening has been conducted on 16 important papaya germplasm lines to observe the severity of bumpy fruit incidence. The study has revealed that Pune Selection-3 is most sensitive (64.6%) to the disorder, while Pusa Selection Red is most tolerant (4.2%). The maximum yield was obtained in Pune Selection-3 (62 kg/plant), while lowest was in Mokama Local (20 kg/plant). The lowest market acceptability and highest economic losses were also observed in Pune Selection-3. Morphologically, the normal fruits and seeds are entirely different from disordered fruits and seeds. The maximum incidence of vivipary and white seed disorders, was observed during May (13.4% and 75.7%, respectively), while least incidence was observed in February and March (10% and 5%, respectively). The economic loss was maximum ( 53600/ha) in April and least in February ( 16800/ha) in autumn-sown crop of ‘Pusa Dwarf’ under seed production. These findings may have implications for the understanding of this new disorder in papaya fruit and seed production. Further studies are required to determine the exact causes of these disorders.