Growth, Yield, Nutrient Content and Fruit Quality of Carica papaya L. Under Controlled Conditions. II. Boron Effects

Abstract

A sand culture greenhouse experiment was conducted with papaya, Carica papaya L., variety Blue Solo, to determine the effects of four levels of Bin the nutrient solution (0.01, 0.05, 0.1 (control), and 1.5 p/m) on growth, fruiting and mineral content. B deficiency and B excess symptoms are described for leaves, petioles, central stems, and fruit. Mineral contents of leaves, petioles, and fruits are presented and discussed. Fruits receiving 0.05 p/m B in the nutrient solution were preferred. The critical level of B appears to be about 20 p/m in the petioles and leaves, whereas excess B occurred at about 70 and 300 p/m, respectively, for petioles and leaves. Quality components of the fruits are based on taste panel evaluation.