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Pawpaw

Complete care guide for premium tropical seedling. Follow these instructions for optimal growth and maximum yield.

Complete Care Guide

Detailed care instructions for growing your Pawpaw seedling successfully

Watering

Water is important throughout, especially at fruit set and development. Drip irrigation can be used during dry spells with a weekly requirement of about 23 liters/plant/week. Regular watering during establishment and fruiting periods ensures optimal growth and fruit quality.

Sunlight

Full sun (6-8 hours) required for optimal growth and fruit production. Papaya thrives in hot areas with good sunlight exposure.

Soil Requirements

Papaya prefers fertile soils with good drainage and pH of about 6.5. They do not do well in heavy clays and saline soils. Ensure well-drained loamy soil for best results.

Temperature

Temperature requirement is between 21-33°C. Papaya grows well in hot areas and does not tolerate strong winds, flooding, or prolonged droughts.

Fertilizer

Apply balanced NPK fertilizer during growing season. Use organic manure mixed with soil at planting. Apply NPK 10-5-5 quarterly during active growth periods.

Spacing

Spacing: 2 meters by 2 meters. 1 acre population: 1000 plants. This spacing allows for proper growth and management while maximizing yield per acre.

Time to Fruit

6-12 months from transplant. The stage of physiological development at the time of harvest determines the flavor and taste of the ripened fruit. The appearance of traces of yellow color on the fruit indicates that it is ready for harvesting. Fruits harvested early have longer post-harvest life, but give abnormal taste and flavor. The fruits also tend to shrivel and suffer chilling injuries when refrigerated. The fruit is twisted until the stalk snaps off or cut with a sharp knife.

Pest & Disease Management

Varieties:

•The major papaya varieties grown are Solo Sunrise
•Makia
•Calina
•and Red Royal. Growing of this fruit has generally increased in hot areas.

Diseases:

•Bunchy Top Virus - This is a viral infection spread by leaf hoppers (Empoasca stevensii)
•yellowing of upper leaves
•bunching and stunting of top leaves and death of plant top. Anthracnose - It's a fungal infection caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. This infection starts as small round dark spots on ripening portion of fruit. As fruits ripen
•spots enlarge to form circular sunken areas. Papaya Ring Spot Virus - It's a viral infection in papaya spread by aphids. Leaves roll upwards
•affected leaves are light green with oily streaks on mature papaya. Powdery Mildew - Characterized by whitish powder on the leaf surface. It reduces photosynthetic efficiency
•and leads to yellowing and leaf fall. Damping Off and Root Rot - This is a damaging fungal infection caused by Pythium (Pythium aphardematum)
•leaf and fruit fall and subsequent death and toppling. Proper sanitation and plant drenching procedures are key to ensure disease-free production.

Pests:

•Papaya Fruit Flies - Two species of fruit flies have been recorded from papaya in East Africa
•namely Bactrocera invadens and Ceratitis rosa. Fruit flies usually deposit their eggs in ripe fruit. Some fruit flies lay eggs on green pawpaw
•but most of the eggs die due to the latex secreted when fruits are punctured by females while laying eggs. Developing larvae cause rotting of ripening fruits. Fruit flies are a major concern of papaya-importing countries. Spider Mites - Mites do not spare the papaya fruits. They attack the underside of plant leaves causing yellowing
•discoloration thus compromising the quality. Spider mites attack mostly during dry weather. Whiteflies - Whiteflies have become a modern threat for papaya farming. They attack the leaves causing yellowing of leaves. The whiteflies also lead to honeydew formation/sooty mold which reduced the fruit quality
•color and taste. Bugs - Various types of bugs attack the pawpaw plant. Bugs suck the plant sap causing the plants to turn yellow. They also make silvery marks and white deposits on the leaves and fruits reducing the quality. Mealybugs are the major threat in papaya production.

Growing Timeline

Phase 1

Planting

Prepare soil, plant seedling, water thoroughly

Phase 2

Establishment

Regular watering, fertilizer application

Phase 3

Growth

Pruning, maintenance, pest management

Phase 4

Fruiting

Harvest and ongoing maintenance

Common Issues & Solutions

Water Stress

Ensure consistent watering, especially during dry periods. Use mulch to retain soil moisture. Install drip irrigation for efficient water delivery. Water deeply but less frequently.

Aphid Infestation

Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs. Remove affected leaves and maintain good air circulation. Control ants that protect aphids.

Mealybug Problem

Apply neem oil spray directly on affected areas. Remove heavily infested parts. Maintain good sanitation and avoid over-fertilization which attracts mealybugs. Use systemic insecticides if severe.

Spider Mite Infestation

Increase humidity around plants. Spray with water to dislodge mites. Use neem oil or miticides if severe. Avoid dusty conditions that favor mites.

Quick Reference

Min Temperature

10°C

Ideal Sunlight

6+ hrs

Water Frequency

Regular

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

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