Determination of PRSV Tolerant Papaya Plants from SBF6 Generation of Intergeneric Population Using Ranking Model System

The Full-sib mated sixth (SBF6) generation of intergeneric population of papaya from the cross CP 50 x Vasconcellea cauliflora was evaluated to select the progenies with PRSV tolerance coupled with better yield. In order to identify the well performing progenies, the mean performance and genetic parameters were estimated. Interestingly, the results of the variability study revealed that the genotypic coefficient of variation on number of fruits, leaf area and number of leaves were higher and making it as the selectable traits. The correlation analysis was made to understand the degree of relationship between the PRSV tolerance and various morphological traits. The result showed that plant height and number of fruits were significantly and negatively correlated with per cent disease index (PDI) with the r value of -0.273 and -0.261 respectively. By considering the number of fruits as the selectable trait, a ranking model system was developed and the results showed 5 ranks of 53 progenies. Among them, 13 well performing progenies from Rank IV and Rank V were selected for further evaluation. The ranking model system helps the researchers by making the selection process statistically much easier and efficient.