Abstract
Papaya cultivars 'Cariflora', 'Sunrise Solo' and the F1 hybrid Cariflora x Sunrise Solo were inoculated and evaluated for papaya ringspot virus (PRV) in southern Puerto Rico. High tolerance to PRV was observed in papaya cultivars Cariflora and the F1 hybrid Cariflora x Sunrise Solo. Chemical analysts of the fruit showed that Brix values increased as the fruit changed from green to yellow in both Cariflora and the F1 hybrids; the pH of the fruit, however, remained constant. Marketable yield of the F1 hybrid was 52,500 kg/ha followed by that of Cariflora, with 42,000 kg/ha and Sunrise Solo with 35,500 kg/ha. Fruit weights of Cariflora and F1 hybrid were significantly higher than for Sunrise Solo. Fruits from Cariflora and F1 hybrid were rated acceptable in flavor and appearance. Virus identification was based on symptomatology, host range insect transmission, viral inclusions, and serology. Cultivar Cariflora and the F1 hybrid Cariflora x Sunrise Solo are potentially suitable for commercial production in Puerto Rico.