A Review on Conventional and Modern Propagation of Papaya (Carica papaya L.): Emphasis on Seed Treatments, Growth Regulators and Nursery Media

Abstract

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is an important tropical and subtropical fruit crop valued for its nutritional, economic and horticultural importance. The availability of healthy and uniform planting material is a key requirement for successful papaya cultivation, as seed germination, seedling vigour, sex expression and genetic variability can strongly influence field establishment and productivity. This review summarises conventional and modern propagation approaches used in papaya, with emphasis on seed propagation, vegetative multiplication, grafting, cuttings, growing media, plant growth regulators and tissue culture-based techniques. Seed propagation remains the most widely used method because it is simple and economical; however, it may produce variable progenies and uneven germination because of seed dormancy, sarcotesta-associated inhibitors, seed maturity, storage conditions and environmental factors. Pre-sowing treatments, particularly gibberellic acid, potassium nitrate, soaking, washing and suitable nursery media, have been reported to improve germination and early seedling growth. Vegetative methods, such as cuttings and grafting, can help maintain desirable traits, reduce variability and support the multiplication of selected genotypes, although their success depends on mother-plant health, rooting conditions, scion quality and nursery management. Modern techniques, including micropropagation, in vitro regeneration, anther culture and somatic embryogenesis, provide opportunities for rapid multiplication of elite and disease-free planting material. Overall, integrated propagation strategies that combine appropriate seed treatments, growth media, vegetative methods and tissue culture approaches may improve the production of vigorous and uniform papaya planting material.