Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This question tests knowledge of postharvest diseases of papaya. Step 2: Detailed Explanation: Bacterial rot (soft rot) is caused by bacteria such as Erwinia or Pseudomonas.
It causes:
- Water-soaked, soft, mushy lesions on fruit.
- Rapid deterioration of the fruit.
- Characteristic foul odor.
- Fruit collapses completely.
Other diseases of papaya:
- Anthracnose (A): Caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides; circular sunken lesions.
- Stem-end rot (B): Caused by Botryodiplodia theobromae; blackening of stem end.
- Alternaria rot (D): Caused by Alternaria alternata; brown spots on fruit.
Soft rot is specifically associated with bacterial infection. Step 3: Final Answer:
Thus, bacterial rot causes soft rot in papaya, which corresponds to option (C). [0.5cm]