Association between traits related to fruit quality in papaya (Carica papaya L.) hybrids and their implications for selection

The knowledge of the associations between the variables and the cause-effect discrimination allows the breeders to make efficient of new cultivars development with traits that meet the demands of producers and consumers. Therefore, the present work aimed to study the associations among the quality variables of papaya (Carica papaya L.) fruits and the effects on selection process. Eight variables related to fruit quality were evaluated in 62 topcross hybrids. The phenotypic and genotypic correlations and path analyses were performed to verify the associations between the variables and the effects on pulp volume. Canonical correlation analysis between primary and secondary quality variables was also carried out. Fruit firmness and soluble solids content showed a positive and significant genotypic correlation, providing evidence for selecting fruits with high averages for both variables. Fruit weight and pulp thickness (PT) were the variables that most contributed to the reduction and increased pulp volume percentage (PV%), respectively. The canonical correlation analysis showed an increase in PT associated with an increase in the fruit length and PV%variables. The physical-chemical variables showed a low association with others, which will make the selection process more laborious to obtain satisfactory gains between the groups of variables.