Influence of INM on growth, yield and quality of papaya (Carica papaya L.) cv. red lady

A field study was carried out at the College of Agriculture, Department of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, during 2014-15 and 2015-16 to evaluate integrated nutrient management (INM) options in papaya (Carica papaya L.) cv. Red Lady. Ten nutrient treatments involving the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), organic manures (FYM, vermicompost, neem cake) and biofertilizers (Azotobacter and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, PSB) were tested in a randomized block design with three replications. Across seasons, the combined application of 75% RDF + 10 kg vermicompost + 100 g Azotobacter + 100 g PSB per plant consistently recorded superior vegetative growth, earlier flowering and maturity, higher fruit yield (31.72 kg plant⁻¹), and improved quality attributes (TSS 10.62 °Brix; total sugars 10.91%; ascorbic acid 23.63 mg 100 g⁻¹ pulp), along with reduced postharvest losses. The results demonstrate that partial substitution of chemical fertilizers with vermicompost and biofertilizers can enhance productivity and fruit quality of papaya under the study conditions.