GROWTH STUDIES ON SOME VEGETATIVE CHARACTERS OF PAPAYA (CARICA PAPAYAI, L)

CHAN, Y.K AND W.K. T

SUMMARY

Growth and development of stem diameter, canopy, plant height, internode length and leaf product ion of three papaya varieties were monitored over a period of one year from seed planting. Stem, diameter , canopy and plant height development followed typical single sigmoid growth curve with the rapid stage II development coinciding with 15 - 31 week period frorm seed planting. All three varieties constantly developed about three leaves per week entire period that wass studied. Internode length was found to have a more inrportant influence on plant height than number of nodes. Differences in plant height between varieties were large differences in internode lengths at an early stage of plant growth. No significant differences were found in rate of leaf (node) production between varieties. The importance of this study in relation to reduction of the juvenile phase of the papaya is discussed.

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