Article Details
Sex Phenotype Variation of California Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Flowers: Its Relationship with Pollen Quality, Seed Germination, and Fruit Characteristics
Variasi Fenotipe Seks pada Bunga Pepaya California (Carica papaya L.): Hubungannya dengan Kualitas Serbuk Sari, Perkecambahan Benih, dan Karakteristik Buah
Main Article Content
This study examined the influence of flower sex phenotype variation on pollen quality, seed germination, and fruit characteristics of California papaya (Carica papaya L.) using controlled pollination schemes. A completely randomized design was applied, involving self and cross pollination among male, female, and hermaphroditic flower types. Pollen quality was evaluated through viability and germination tests, seed quality was assessed using physiological parameters, and fruit characteristics were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The results revealed that flower sex phenotype significantly affected pollen performance, seed germination, and fruit traits. Normal and elongate hermaphroditic flowers exhibited the highest pollen viability and germination (≥85%), resulting in seeds with superior germination capacity, higher vigor index, and faster growth rates. Fruits derived from self-pollinated hermaphroditic flowers showed more uniform morphology, thicker flesh, moderate water content, and stable sweetness, meeting preferred market standards. In contrast, several cross-pollination combinations involving pistillate and male flowers produced greater variability in fruit shape, lower seed physiological quality, and reduced germination performance. Notably, certain controlled cross pollination schemes yielded fruits with higher sweetness than self-pollinated hermaphroditic fruits, suggesting a physiological pollen effect beyond genetic factors. These findings demonstrate that reproductive performance and fruit quality in California papaya are strongly influenced by flower sex phenotype and pollination combinations. Proper management of pollination strategies based on flower type can serve as an effective approach to improve seed quality and fruit characteristics without altering cultivar genetics.
Received: 15 Dec 2025; Accepted: 22 May 2026; Available Online: 13 Nov 2026;
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