High Tunnel Green Papaya Production in Southern Virginia

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a tropical fruit, native to Southern Mexico and parts Central America.  Currently, papaya is planted worldwide under tropical climates.  American mainstream consumer demand for papaya fruit is increasing due to its sweet taste and nutritional value.  Locally produced tropical fruits such as papaya have market potential in the state of Virginia.  Additionally, market demand exists for the immature or green papaya, especially since green papaya contains the plant enzyme papain which aids in digestion.  The green papaya is a popular ingredient in Asian cuisine and is desired by chefs in Northern Virginia.  Virginia State University Small Fruits and Vegetable Unit (Petersburg, VA) conducted a study to evaluate the production of green papaya in a high tunnel as an annual crop.  The initial production cycle began January 2013.  In January, papaya seeds were planted in a greenhouse to produce seedlings.  In April, seedlings were transplanted into soil contained within a high tunnel structure, 98 ft. long and 27 ft. wide,  located in Petersburg, VA.  Harvests of green papaya began in August 21, 2013 and continued until late November 15, 2013.  After the end of the season, plants were removed from the high tunnel, and discarded.  From the 2013 evaluation, a total of 686 green papaya fruits with a total weight of 540 kg. were harvested.  The harvested green papaya fruits were test marketed in retail stores, farmers markets and restaurants.