Transplants of Baixinho de Santa Amália papaya cultivar were grown in three neighboring plant growth facilities: a) greenhouse (covered with plastic sheet); b) shaded greenhouse (with sombrite 30% black screen over the plastic sheet); c) screenhouse (covered with sombrite 30% only). Next to such structures a plot was settled for cultivation under natural environment. Cultural practices were conducted according to technical regulations for organic production. Irrigations were proceeded with plastic hose avoiding to wet leaves and fruits. From the 45th day after transplanting and subsequently at monthly intervals the plants were monitored in relation to incidence of leaf lesions caused by the fungus Asperisporium caricae. For statistical analysis, after homogeneity of variance test, four repetition were considered within each ambient (= treatment), with six individuals for sampling. The model used for disease quantification indicated a highly significant effect of protected environments greenhouse and shaded greenhouse relating the reduction of leaf lesion numbers compared to screenhouse and natural cropping condition. Disease levels maintained a close correlation with rainfall and air relative humidity during the 12 months of evaluations. The plastic-covered structures showed high potential for controlling A. caricae on papaya leaves and may be recommended for papaya production in the organic system.
Carica papaya; organic agriculture
