01318naa a2200145 a 450000100080000000500110000800800410001910000170006024500720007726000090014952009280015870000190108670000210110577300460112616482811999-08-19       1993    bl ---       0--  u    #d1 aSINGH, M. P.  aStudies on improvement of papaya through introduction and selection  c1993  aIndia is the largest producer of papaya in the world. Area and production in the last few years have increased sharply owing to its wider adaptability, increased demand for fruits and high economic returm per unit area. At present, total area and production of papaya is estimated at 39359 ha and 9.05 lakh tonnes respectively. Papaya is grown almost in every state in India either as a kitchen garden plant or as interplant in the orchards of kinnow, litchi, mango and pear and also a regular commercial orchard near the big cities and town. In Punjab also, production and productivity of this crop is increasing considerably due to the availability of improved varieties and production technology. It can be further increased with the introduction of suitable high yielding and superior varieties. With these objective in view, studies were initiated to evolve/ select papaya varieties suitable for cultivation in Punjab.1 aCHANANA, Y. R.1 aMINHAS, P. P. S.  tIndian J. Hort.gv.50, n.1, p.41-45, 1993