Planting density and characteristics of the fruits from papaya "Formosa" in subtropical climate

Abstract

 Physic-chemical characteristics of the fruits were studied from various planting densities: 2.0 x 1.8 m; 2.0 x 2.0 m; 2.0 x 2.2 m; 2.0 x 2.4 m; 2.0 x 2.6 m; 2.0 x 2.8 m, in the randomized blocks design with four replications, from December 1992 to November 1993, in Porto Lucena, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in a subtropical region. The results show that different spacing did not influence on the studied characteristics. Comparing monthly results, difference in pulp thickness was observed only between the months of August and January 1993; titrable acid (TA) was highest in May 1993, pH in October and November 1993 and the ratio TSS/TA in June and July 1993. The best quality of the fruits, indicated for the high total soluble solids (TSS), was observed in April, May and June, after a period of high temperatures.