Effect of Nitrogen and Boron Application on Carica papaya L. I. Growth and Yield

Abstract

The experiment was carried on a Coto clay (an Oxisol). The effect of four levels of N (0, 57, 170 and 340 kg/ha) and four levels of B (0, 2.3, 4.5, 6.8 kg/ha) were determined using the P.R. 7-65 papaya variety. Treatments were initiated when the transplanted seedlings were three months old, and were repeated every six weeks. The information recorded showed the following results: Increments of N and B levels did not show a marked effect on plant height and stem diameter. Boron tended to be more effective than N in increasing stem height and diameter. The petiole fresh and dry weights increased linearly as the N and B levels were raised. The number and weight of fruits borne on female and hermaphroditic trees increased linearly as the N and 8 levels were raised. The results of the experiment showed that the papaya plant requires a high N and B fertilization rate.