ABSTRACT
Papaya is a tropical herbaceous dicotyledonous plant producing melon-like fruits, which are rich in vitamins A and C. Total world production of papaya is estimated at 5.6 billion kg produced on about 338,000 hectares. The largest producers are Brazil and Mexico. Mean worldwide yield of papaya in 2002 was 16,544 kg/ha, with Mexico and Costa Rica topping all countries at 40,155 kg/ha and 38,667 kg/ha, respectively [3]. Increased popularity of papaya during the last 10 years has resulted in a 255% increase in world exports.
