Crop Profile for Papaya in Northern Mariana Islands

● Papayas are grown in all of the CNMI. They are sold in local markets and consumed locally as a fresh fruit. No fruit is exported to the outside markets due to quarantine restrictions from the melon fly, which is found on all of the islands in the CNMI. Most papayas grown are intercropped with other vegetables or fruits. Many are planted as borders and a backyard family crop. ● The plant is a tropical perennial, which can be grown from 32 degrees north or south of the equator and up to 5000 feet of elevation. It does best in full sun with well drained, fertile soil and will not grow in extremely wet areas. There are many varieties grown in the CNMI, but only three or four are widely distributed including a small wild papaya, which populates all of the islands and due to its aggressive pollen has started to cross-pollinate with the hybrid species. At present no plan is in place to reduce the local population species. ● The fruits of female plants are normally round shaped. The fruits of hermaphrodite plants are normally larger and longer, and have notable grooves that run the length of the fruit. Because sex is determined by genetics some cultivars have been developed that are usually hermaphroditic. A hermaphrodite plant is the best choice for growers because it will pollinate itself and bear frui