Papaya (Carica papaya L.): Origin, Domestication, and Production

Abstract

It is important to define the center of origin and the domestication process that Carica papaya L. might have had, as it may have important present implications in terms of papaya plant improvement, particularly, in terms of searching for genetic sources to improve resistance/tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. Although it is clear that C. papaya L. originated in America, it is difficult to define the precise center of origin for this specie, as no direct archeological evidences have been found. However, we revised here the hypothesis that it originated at the Mesoamerican Center (south of Mexico and Central America) using two approaches: an analysis of the biogeographical distribution of records from herbarium specimens around the world and a preliminary analysis of local C. papaya L. wild populations, localized at isolated sites from the south of the Yucatán State, México. In terms of domestication, evidence is revised to evaluate the hypothesis that C. papaya L. was domesticated by early lowland Mayan civilizations in pre-Colombian times. Finally, an analysis of the production, harvestable areas, and yields of commercial papayas around the world in the last 50 years is also discussed.