Planting density, growth and production of the papaya 'Formosa' (Carica Papaya L.) at Porto Lucena, RS

Abstract

This research was carried out at Porto Lucena, RS, Brazil, in a subtropical region, aiming to determine the effect of six plant spacings on the vegetative performance and production of papaya, during the first productive year, from October 1992, to September 1993. Planting spaces in the rows were 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.6 and 2.8 m, and 2.0 m between rows, in the randomized blocks designe, with four replications. The results showed that different spacings did not influence stem diameter, plant height, and the average weight of fruits. A quadratic response was observed for production, the greatest weight and number of fruits per plant being obtained at a spacing of 2.0 x 2.4 m and the equivalent maximum per hectare at 2.0 x 2.2 m. Comparing monthly results, the yield period showed significative influence in all vegetative and productive parameters evaluated. The results showed that the best spacings were 2.0 x 2.0 to 2.0 x 2.4 m, regarding the conditions of this experiment.