ABSTRACT
The papaya seed production requires technical knowledge due to its complex genetic make-up and cross-pollinated nature. The monoecious papaya needs cross-fertilisation, and therefore, segregates very rapidly when male plants of different varieties are found at one site. In order to harvest genetically pure seeds, it is necessary to ensure varietal purity. This is achieved by removing any unidentified male plant in the proximity of the plantation. When seed results from open pollination, it becomes impossible, in most cases, to obtain selections which are reasonably uniform in flower type and fruit characteristics. Depending upon the sex type and parental combination, papaya varieties fall under two broad groups as mentioned below.
