Resumen

ALVAREZ-HERNANDEZ, Juan Carlos. Variability in selected papaya plants and fruits, from commercial orchards in Michoacan, Mexico. CienciAgro [online]. 2019, vol.9, n.1, pp. 57-66. ISSN 2072-1404.

ABSTRACT In the producing regions of Mexico the dominant variety is Maradol, and the type of seed used varies from original F1, to descendent F2 to F5. This leads to degeneration and genotypic segregation. In this way it is necessary an adequate se-lection of parents and controlled pollination for seed production, and that is adapted to the region of interest. Therefore, the objective was to select outstanding papaya plants adapted to the production area of Michoacan, Mexico. Through field explorations in commercial plots, papaya plants of the Maradol hermaphrodite type were identified and characteri-zed with outstanding characteristics. In the plants, floral buds were selected and covered to induce self-pollination. The fruits were collected in the maturity stage and the seeds were obtained. Morphological variables of plant and fruit, health and germination were recorded. In addition, a multivariate analysis was performed. 12 orchards presented outstanding plants. The characterization of the progress in the development of floral bud to fruits was variable, since the amount of fruits formed in relation to the buttons covered initially was reduced, as well as, it reduced the amount of fruits collected in relation to the fruits formed. Regarding phytosanitary status, the presence of viruses, mites and other insects was recorded in most of the registered orchards. The germination was acceptable. It is concluded that selected papaya plants were identified and characterized based on outstanding characteristics and adapted to the production area of Michoacan. The multivariate analysis allowed to classify four groups and three not defined.

Palabras llave : Carica papaya; seed production; Maradol variety.