Effect of culture substrates and water stress on growth of potted papaya(Carica papaya L.)

In order to optimize substrate formulation for the papaya potting,an experiment was conducted.Five different substrates were tested to determine their effects on the growth and fruit-bearing of the dwarf female'Hongling' papaya.The result showed that the most desirable growth,fruit-bearing and root development of the plant were obtained by using 40% vegetable soil +20% sand loamy soil +20% peat soil +20% plant ash,or 40% sand loamy soil +20% vegetable soil +20% peat soil +20% plant ash.There were no significant differences in papaya growth and fruit-bearing between 90% and full water supply.The growth was affected,however,when water supply was limited to 80%,where a dwarf was produced without affecting the fruit-bearing.On the other hand,if the water supply was reduced to less than 70%,the growth,fruit-bearing and fruit size of the papaya plants were seriously hindered.