Genetic Variability and Correlation Studies in Different Genotypes of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) under Middle Gujarat Conditions

The investigation was carried out using twelve diverse genotypes of papaya to study genetic variability and correlation. The high estimate of GCV and PCV were obtain for average volume of fruit followed by number of marketable fruits per plant, total carotenoid content and yield of fruits. High heritability with high genetic advance as per cent mean recorded for characters viz. plant height, days taken from anthesis to maturity, number of marketable fruits per plant, average weight of marketable fruit, fruit length, fruit diameter, average volume of fruit, fruit cavity index, TSS, ascorbic acid content, total carotenoid content and yield of fruits. Genotypic correlation coefficients were higher than their corresponding phenotypic correlation indicating the inherent association between different characters. The yield of fruits showed significant and positive association with fibre content at genotypic and phenotypic levels while, plant height, number marketable fruits per plant, average weight of marketable fruit, fruit length, total soluble solids and ascorbic acid content at phenotypic level, only which indicated that selection for this trait would lead to an improvement in fruit yield per tree of papaya.