Partial diallel to evaluate the combining ability for economically important traits of papaya

The dependence of Brazil on imported improved papaya seeds was the main motivation for this research that primarily intended to evaluate the combining ability of eight genotypes from the 'Solo' group, crossed with eight genotypes from the 'Formosa' group following a partial diallet scheme. The traits mean fruit weight, brix degree and flavor revealed prevalence of additive effects in both genetic groups, while plant height was preponderantly additive only for the 'Solo' genotypes. On the other hand, the yield trait expressed additive superiority for the 'Formosa' genotypes. For intrapopulation breeding for higher yield, the indicated genotypes are 'Maradol' and 'Cariflora' from the 'Formosa' group as well 'Sunrise Solo 783' and 'Sunrise Solo TJ' from the 'Solo' group; but, when the objective is to breed for better fruit quality, the genotypes 'JS 12' and 'JS 11' ('Formosa' group), and 'Sunrise Solo72/12' and 'Baixinho de Santa Amalia' ('Solo' group) are indicated. Based on the set of evaluated traits, the best hybrid combinations were 'Sunrise Solo 72/12 x JS 12', 'Sunrise Solo TJ x JS 12', 'Baixinho de Santa Amalia x JS 12', 'Sunrise Solo TJ X JS 11' and 'Sunrise Solo 72/12 x Costa Rica'.