Selection parameters for yield in papaya

Estimates of direct selection parameters i.e. heritability and genetic advance in per cent of mean were studied for 10 characters of 28 crosses obtained in F₁ generation. High h²n coupled with moderate to high G.S.% was recorded for fruiting height, average weight of fruit, fruit yield, T.S.S. and total sugars; while high H²n coupled with low GS% for number of fruits per plant and low h²n coupled with low G.S.% for plant girth and days to first flowering were observed. Thus, selection for all the traits except plant girth, days to first flowering and depth of fruit setting would be most amenable selection criterias for improvement of papaya having higher yield potential and better fruit quality.