Yield of papaya irrigated with fractions of Class A pan evaporation in a semiarid environment

Abstract

There is a scarcity of information regarding the optimum water requirement for papaya (Carica papaya) grown under semiarid conditions with drip irrigation in the tropics. A two-year study was conducted to determine water requirement, yield, and fruit quality traits of papaya cv Red Lady subjected to five levels of irrigation. The irrigation treatments were based on Class A pan factors that ranged from 0.25 to 1.25 in increments of 0.25. Drip irrigation was supplied three times a week on alternate days. Results showed significant effects of irrigation on number of fruits, yield and fruit length. Irrigation treatments did not have a significant effect on brix (sweetness). Highest marketable fruit weight (75,907 kg/ha) was obtained from plants irrigated according to a pan factor of 1.25. It was concluded that papaya grown under semiarid conditions should be irrigated according to a pan factor of not less than 1.25.