Genetic variability heritability and genetic advance in papaya (Carica papaya L.) cultivars

The genetic variability along with heritability gives a reliable idea of the genetic advance in a crop. Papaya although heterozygous has comparatively shorter economic life span and unlike other perennial crops is propagated by seeds. An experiment was conducted using twelve papaya varieties viz., Coorg Honey Dew, Pink Flesh Sweet, Sunrise Solo, Waimanalo, Pant-2, Washington, Red Gold, Pusa Dwarf, PAU Selection, CO-4, H-39 and H-57. The investigation revealed high variability for fruit cavity index, fruit volume, fruit weight, titratable acidity and total carotenolds. High heritability estimates obtained showed that selection programme based on these characters would be more effective in improving the quality parameters of papaya.