High incidence of papaya ringspot disease was recorded during rainy season planting as compared to winter season planting. High manuring levels increased the disease but also increased the fruit yield. Higher fruit yield was also recorded in interaction of winter season planting and high manuring levels despite higher disease incidence. Maximum number of fruits per plant, fruit weight, fruit length and fruit circumference was obtained in winter season at higher manuring levels. Interaction of winter season and higher manuring levels recorded significantly higher number of fruits per plant and fruit weight. Positive and significant association of fruit yield per plant was obtained with plant height, stem girth, number of leaves, fruiting length, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight and fruit circumference. The factors accounted for 99.77% (R2 = 0.99771) variation in fruit yield. Highest direct effect on fruit yield was obtained from number of fruits per plant.
Papaya ringspot disease, incidence, planting season, manuring
