Abstract

This study was conducted to identify adaptable and high yielding papaya variety(s) for West Hararghe Zone and similar agro ecologies. Three hermaphrodite papaya varieties along with local variety were evaluated for yield and yield related traits at Mechara Agricultural Research Center. The analysis of variance revealed the presence of significant differences among papaya varieties for most of evaluated traits. The single fruit weight of papaya varieties ranged from 264.2 to 867.5 g and the number of fruits per plant ranged from8 to 24. The highest yield and yield related papaya traits likes number of fruits per plant, single fruit weight, fruit length, and diameter were observed on Meki-HL1 variety. Papaya yield had positive and significant correlation with the number of fruits per plants, single fruit weight, fruit diameter, and length implying that selection of varieties based on the above traits is indirectly selection for high yielding variety. From this study, Meki-HL1 variety performed by all most important traits over the other varieties and it had 73.66% yield advantage over the local check. Therefore, Meki-HL1 variety was recommended for production in Mechara area and similar agro-ecologies.