Exploitation of Heterosis in Papaya

Studies were made to assess the extent of heterosis in intervarietal crosses in papaya. Significant heterosis was observed for all the vegetative characters as well as yield and its components. Heterosis for yield upto 111.4 per cent over the better parent was obtained in certain combinations. In this regard, out of various combinations Thailand × Washigton was the best and the cultivar ‘Thailand’ was found to be the best combiner. The combinations Solo Yellow Sweet × Washington, Coorg Honey Dew × Solo Sweet, Coorg Honey Dew × Washington and Pink Flesh Sweet × Washington were also outstanding. The yield improvement could be attributed to heterotic effect in each of the major components of yield.