Question:

Which one of the following is a dioecious mutant of papaya?

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'Pusa Nanha' is a dwarf mutant variety of papaya developed through gamma irradiation.
It has a dioecious sex expression and is suited for high-density planting.
  • Solo
  • Pusa Nanha
  • Co 5
  • Co 7
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Papaya (Carica papaya) varieties exhibit different sex expressions, classified into dioecious types (separate male and female plants) and gynodioecious types (separate female and hermaphrodite plants).
Mutation breeding has been used to develop specific traits, such as dwarfism, in these cultivars.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

'Pusa Nanha' is a dwarf, dioecious papaya cultivar developed at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), Regional Station, Pusa.
It was developed by treating seeds of a local papaya variety with gamma radiation (a physical mutagen).
Key traits of 'Pusa Nanha' include:
1. Dwarf Plant Stature: The plants grow to a height of $1.2\text{ to }1.5\text{ meters}$, with the first fruit forming low on the stem ($30\text{ cm}$ from the ground).
This dwarf habit allows for high-density planting ($1.25\text{ m} \times 1.25\text{ m}$ spacing) and makes it suitable for home gardens.
2. Dioecious Sex Expression: The variety has separate male and female plants, requiring a $10\%$ male population distributed through the orchard for pollination.
Among the other options:
- 'Solo' is a gynodioecious cultivar.
- 'CO 5' is a dioecious selection developed for papain extraction but is not a mutant.
- 'CO 7' is a gynodioecious variety.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The dioecious mutant variety of papaya is 'Pusa Nanha', which corresponds to Option (B).
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