Malkia F1 Papaya

This is a highly productive dwarf variety with excellent aroma.

Characteristics:

• Maturity; 8 months
• A semi-dwarf variety
• Fruit weight: 1.5-2kg
• High brix (sugar content 13% to 14%)
• Red flesh
• High yield potential of 40-50 fruits per season
• Starts bearing fruits from 50-80cm height.
• Flowering starts after 5months from transplanting
• Female plants produce short oblong fruits while fruits of Bisexual or hermaphrodites flowers are elongated.

Planting Recommendations

• Seed rate: 10g/acre
• Recommended spacing: row to row- 2 to 2.5m and plant to plant- 2m
• Highly tolerant to papaya ring spot virus

Certified by the following bodies: Kephis Kenya

MALKIA PAWPAW F1 PLANTING GUIDE

1. Variety Overview

• Type: Hybrid papaya

• Fruit characteristics: Large, oval fruits (1.5–3 kg), deep orange flesh, sweet and aromatic.

• Maturity period: 8–10 months after transplanting.

• Yield: Up to 60–100 tonnes per hectare under good management.

• Flower type: Hermaphrodite (self-pollinating).

2. Climatic & Soil Requirements

• Temperature: 20–30°C (optimum).

• Altitude: Below 1800 m above sea level.

• Rainfall: 1000–1500 mm annually, well distributed.

• Soil: Deep, well-drained loam or sandy loam soils rich in organic matter.

• pH: 5.5–7.5.

• Avoid waterlogging — papayas are very sensitive to root rot.

3. Land Preparation

• Clear the field and remove old roots or debris.

• Deep plough and harrow to a fine tilth.

• Prepare raised beds or ridges in areas prone to waterlogging.

• Mix well-decomposed manure (10–15 tons/ha) into the topsoil before planting.

4. Seedling Production

• Sow seeds in nursery trays or polythene bags filled with a mixture of soil, sand, and compost (1:1:1).

• Sow 2–3 seeds per hole, 1 cm deep.

• Keep nursery moist but not waterlogged.

• Germination occurs in 10–15 days.

• Thin to one healthy seedling per hole after 2–3 weeks.

• Transplant at 4–6 weeks, when seedlings are about 15–20 cm tall.

5. Field Planting

• Spacing: 2.5 m × 2.5 m (approx. 1,600 plants/ha).

• Planting holes: 60 cm × 60 cm × 60 cm.

• Mix topsoil with 10–15 kg of manure + 100 g DAP per hole.

• Plant in the evening or on a cool day to reduce transplant shock.

• Water immediately after transplanting.

6. Fertilizer Program (General Guide)

(Adjust based on soil test results.)

7. Watering

• Maintain consistent moisture — especially during dry spells.

• Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.

• Drip irrigation is highly recommended.

8. Weed and Pest Management

• Weeds: Keep field weed-free; use mulching or shallow hoeing.

• Pests: Aphids, whiteflies, fruit flies, and spider mites — use safe insecticides or biocontrols.

• Diseases:

  • Powdery mildew, anthracnose, papaya ringspot virus — apply preventive fungicides and control vectors.

  • Rogue diseased plants immediately.

9. Flowering & Pollination

• Malkia F1 is self-pollinating (hermaphrodite), so no need for male plants.

• First flowers appear 4–6 months after transplanting.

10. Harvesting

• Harvest starts 8–10 months after transplanting.

• Pick fruits when skin turns slightly yellow.

• Handle carefully to avoid bruising.

• Fruits can be ripened off the field at room temperature.

11. Expected Yields

• Average: 60–100 tonnes/ha per year under proper care.

• Productive life span: 3–4 years before replanting is needed.

12. Post-Harvest Handling

• Wash fruits with clean water to remove latex and dirt.

• Grade according to size and appearance.

• Pack in ventilated crates or cartons.