Phenotypic Characterization, Pollen Fertility, and PRSV Response of Micropropagated and Seed-Derived Papaya in Cavite, Philippines
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70884/mjsir.v86i1.612Keywords:
Carica papaya L., micropropagation, papaya ringspot virus, phenotype, pollen fertilityAbstract
The micropropagated-derived and seed-derived papaya trees were characterized based on their performance in Silang, Cavite, Philippines, an area known to be the origin of the deadly PRSV, an area with a long history of Papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) occurrence and prevalence. Tree characteristics at first flower showed that plant height, stem diameter and number of nodes of micropropagated and seed-derived trees are not significantly different. On the other hand, the micropropagated trees produced fruits that are significantly heavier, had thicker flesh and had higher titratable acidity than fruits of the seed-derived trees. In contrast, the seed-derived trees produced fruits with firmer flesh. However, no significant differences existed between the micropropagated and seed-derived trees in terms of fruit length, fruit width, peel weight, peel thickness, flesh juice density, extractable juice, TSS and percent edible portion. Both micropropagated and seed-derived trees are moderately tolerant to PRSV. Plants remained vigorous and produced marketable yield. Furthermore, pollen fertility and pollen size of the micropropagated and seed-derived papaya trees are not significantly different. Pollen fertility is higher during June to March which are the cooler months of the year, and decreased during April to May which are the hot and dry months of the year in the Philippines.
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