Growth, yield and water use of papaya under drip irrigation

Field experiments were carried out on sandy loam soils to study the response of papaya to frequency of irrigation, number of emitters and their placement under drip irrigation. The relative water content (RWC) and transpiration rates were higher with daily irrigation under drip with two emitters per plant and with emitters placed midway between the trunk and skirtline whereas, the stomatal diffusive resistance reduced wherever the transpiration rate was higher. Daily irrigation of papaya through drip gave significantly higher plant height, girth and yield as compared to alternate day irrigation. Providing two emitters per plant and placing the emitters midway between the trunk and skirtline gave markedly higher yields.