76 Papaya
with increase in N up to 300 g. Limestone (about 450 g) is added for every unit rise
in pH. Papaya requires a pH near neutral. The mixture is then added to the planting
holes and built up into a mound; for best results this should be done about 6–8 weeks
before planting. A 40–60 cm high bed is required if the soil is not well-drained.
5.8 Planting Distance
Tall and vigorous varieties are planted at greater spacing, while medium and dwarf
ones at closer spacing. Planting pit should be dug at a distance of 2.4 m × 2.4 m for tall,
1.8 m × 1.8 m for medium and 1.2 m × 1.2 m for dwarf type varieties. Normally, the
distance between rows is about 2.0–2.5 and 2.0–3.0 m between plants. When plants
are grown at sloppy land, the distance should be 3.0× 3.0 m; however, 2.7 × 2.7 m
between rows for the mechanised farming practices is recommended (Table 5.1).
The spacing of 1.4 m × 1.4 m or 1.4 m × 1.6 m is best suited for papaya cv., Pusa
Delicious under subtropical condition of Bihar. A closer spacing of 1.2 m × 1.2 m for
Pusa Nanha has been adopted for high-density planting accommodating 6400 plants
yielding 103 tonnes of fruits per hectare (Singh et al. 2010a, b).
5.9 Transplanting
Make a slit in the plastic bag or disposable glass down one side to remove the bag
and place the plant in the hole for proper transplanting of 45 days old seedlings. Do
not break up and loosen the roots because this will cause the plants to lodge later. If
there is more than one plant in a bag do not separate them for the same reason. Rake
in the soil from around the hole to cover the roots and growth medium, but be care-
ful not to pile too much soil around the stem of the plant. The surface of the growth
TABLE 5.1
Plants per Hectare in Different Papaya Planting
SystemsPlanting
Distance (m^2 )No. of Plants/ha in Different
Planting Systems
Square Rectangular Triangular
1.2 × 1.2 6400 – –
1.8 × 1.8 3086 – 3571
1.8 × 2.1 – 2646 –
1.8 × 2.7 –^2058 –
2.1 × 2.1^2268 –^2625
2.1 × 2.4 –^1984 –
2.4 × 2.4^1736 –^2008
2.4 × 2.7 –^1543 –
2.7 × 2.7^1372 –^1585
2.7 × 3.0 –^1235 –
3.0 × 3.0^1111 –^1284