Papaya Growth in Double-Row Systems Established During the Dry Season

Papaya is an important fruit in the tropics due to its nutritional level and year round production. Papaya production in the Virgin Islands is hindered by the lengthy dry season in this semi arid environment where fresh water is lacking. Three selected papaya varieties, 'Maradol', 'Tainung 5' and 'YuenNong 1' were grown in 1 χ 1 m, 1 χ 2 m or 1 χ 3 m double-row spacing regime randomized block design incorporating drip irrigation with 4L/hr emitters at 1 m intervals and grass-hay mulch. The objective was to determine water usage, plant growth and fruit set during the first six months establishment in the dry season of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Tensiometers set at 30 cm depth were used to determine when water was applied and indicated that the 1 χ 1 m double row depleted the water quicker than the other two spacing regimes. Data was collected included: rainfall, irrigation water applied, plant height, height to first flower, height to first fruit, stem diameter at 1 m and number of fruit set after six months. Plants grown in the 1 χ 1 m double row were taller, had thinner stems and significantly fewer fruit set for all varieties during the six months of plant establishment and growth. The 1 χ 2 m double row grown papaya were similar to the 1 χ 3 m double row plants for height, stem diameter and fruit set. The 1 χ 2 m double row growing system is recommended to increase production where space and water are limiting factors. A grass/hay mulch is very effective in controlling weeds, conserving soil moisture and protecting the soil from erosion during sudden short heavy tropical rains.