Costa Rican scientists launch 3 new papaya varieties

The scientists from the University of Costa Rica and the National Institute for Innovation and Transfer of Agricultural Technology (INTA) developed three new varieties of papaya seed.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), the genetic modifications achieved in two of these new varieties reduce production costs for producers. 

When the seed is sown, it’s hard to predict if the plant will bear fruit or not. Over time farmers identify the ones that will not and discard them. This leads to loss of time, resources, and space to plant.

The other plants called hermaphrodites, achieve fertilization themselves, without the need for another plant, and develop the fruit. 

Two of the new open-pollinated papaya varieties, called NTA-UCR 6514 and INTA-UCR 1785, are 95% hermaphroditic. 

As explained by the MAG, at the time of sowing, only one plant is used and neither sexing nor thinning (when the quantity of plants has to be cut) has to be done.

INTA-UCR-H39 and INTA-UCR 6514 are suitable for industry. Their color ranges between orange and red, and both are described to have great weight.

The third new variety, Suerre, is recommended for individual consumption. It is a small fruit with an approximate weight of half a kilo. It is firm, sweet, orangey and has thick pulp and little cavity.