Protected cultivation of ‘BH-65’, ‘Siluet’, ‘Sensation’,‘Intenzza’ and ‘Red Lady’ papaya cultivars in South East Spain

Abstract Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a tropical fruit crop of rapid growth and early yielding. In recent years, papaya cultivation has extended to subtropical regions due to its commercial interest. In South East Spain, protected cultivation is, however, mandatory to ensure the optimal development of the crop. Even more, to assure profitability, the selection of plant material well adapted to the structural constrains and the climatic conditions inside greenhouses is essential. With this objective, different papaya cultivars with diverse geographical origin, characteristics and pedigree have been compared. ‘BH-65’, ‘Siluet’, ‘Sensation’, ‘Intenzza’ and ‘Red Lady’ papaya cultivars were thus grown under a plastic greenhouse in Almería, SE Spain and their growth, phenology, yield and fruit quality compared in a 21-month production cycle. The results showed that ‘Siluet’ and ‘Sensation’ papayas are well-adapted to greenhouse protected cultivation, produce high yield, and optimal fruit quality for long and short distance markets. Cultivars like ‘BH-65’ could be of interest for low-height greenhouses due to its reduced plant vigor and high fruit quality. However, ‘BH-65’ yield is low. According to the European consumer preferences, the cultivation of ‘Siluet’ and ‘Sensation’ is recommended, for the harsh conditions the greenhouse cultivation imposes in subtropics.