Vol. 11, Special Issue 5 (2022)

Author(s):
Amrita Manohar, Anu G Krishnan and Jyothi Bhaskar

Abstract:
A study was undertaken at College of Agriculture, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur, Kerala in July 2021 to evaluate latex content of different genotypes under Kerala condition. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with twenty-four genotypes replicated thrice, planted at a spacing of 2 m x 2 m. The results revealed that quantity of fresh papaya latex ranged from 2.39 g-23.54 g. The maximum dry latex per fruit (4.11g) was observed in CO2 (T₂₀) which was on par with CO1 (T₁₉-3.60 g). Likewise, maximum dry latex per percent of fruit weight was recorded by Red Lady (0.30%), which was on par with CO2 (0.27%). Furthermore, the colour of shade-dried latex appeared to be pale yellow compared to the dark brown coloured sundried latex. Therefore, from the results it was concluded that the variety CO2 is best suited to the humid tropical condition of Kerala and shade dried latex is superior to sundried ones in terms of colour and quality.