The modification of sex expression in papaya (Carica papaya L.)

Field trials with six times normal nitrogen supply produced a significant increase in the proportion of female papaya plants. The addition of nitrogen to the soil increased the leaf nitrogen content but had no effect on the amino acid content. Leaves of male plants contained more nitrogen than female plants but no difference could be detected in the contents of amino acids in the leaves and flower buds. Foliar application of 1-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 2-chloroethyl-trimethyl ammonium chloride (CCC) resulted in a higher female : male ratio, but maleic hydrazide (MH) and gibberellic acid (GA₃) enhanced maleness. The animal sex hormone stilboesterol dipropionate had no apparent effect on sex expression but the application of testosterone propionate increased the proportion of male plants.