TOLERANCE LEVEL OF GRAFTED PAPAYA PLANTS AGAINST PAPAYA DIEBACK DISEASE

Papaya (Carica papaya) cultivars commonly grown in Malaysia, namely Sekaki and Eksotika, are very susceptible to papaya dieback disease (PDD), resulting reduced production of papayas. As an alternative, grafted seedling using Viorica variety as a highly tolerant rootstock can be introduced combat PDD. Three grafting combinations scion/rootstock were used this study Eksotika/Eksotika (E/E), Eksotika/Viorica (E/V) Viorica/Viorica (V/V). These plants tested over hot-spot diseased location evaluate their field tolerance levels against PDD for 14 months exposure. The occurrence on showed that the was mostly found E/E combination, with severity 86.7% score 4.34, whereas E/V 71.0% 3.55, respectively. lowest recorded V/V plants, 34.3% 1.72. Results susceptible, while Therefore, var. proved it could influence level cv. Eksotika scion