Quality of 'Tainung no. 1' papaya in function of production times and irrigation managements

Abstract

This study evaluates the quality of 'Tainung no. 1' papaya cultivated by partial rootzone drying (PRD) at summer and winter seasons, in Mocambinho, Jaíba, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The ten treatments resulted from the combination of four PRD forms and one with full irrigation (FI), without water deficit, during two production seasons. The experiments were set up in an entirely randomized. The treatments using PRD were based on the reduction of the calculated irrigation water level by 50%, alternating the side of the irrigated row with only one lateral line irrigation per row. The alternating frequencies (AF - changing of sides) were 7, 14 and 21 days and a fixed side without alternation. The FI was composed per two lateral lines per row of plants. The quality and sensorial evaluations were performed on ripe fruits (totally yellow peel). Papayas produced in summer were larger, firmer, with an orange and more acidic pulp. Irrigation managements interfered with the purchase intention and the sensorial attributes of fruits produced in summer and winter. Consumers liked the overall appearance and the color of papaya pulp produced in the summer, with the exception of PRD AF 7 days. The acceptance of texture and flavor varied depending on irrigation management.