Papaya Power-Feed Quiz Quiz

Discover key aspects of nutrient management in papaya cultivation and help your crops thrive by understanding optimal feeding practices. Assess your knowledge of balanced fertilization, micronutrient roles, and nutrient deficiency symptoms in papaya plants.

1. Nitrogen Requirements in Papaya

   Which stage of papaya plant growth most requires increased nitrogen application for optimal leaf and stem development?

   1. Seedling emergence stage
   2. Fruit maturation stage
   3. Flower initiation stage
   4. Vegetative growth stage

   Explanation: The vegetative growth stage demands the most nitrogen, supporting robust leaf and stem development. Flower initiation needs less nitrogen to reduce excessive vegetative growth, while fruit maturation focuses on other nutrients. Seedlings require gentle nutrition due to their small size.

2. Balanced Fertilization for Fruit Yield

   A papaya farmer wants excellent fruit yield and quality; which N:P:K (nitrogen:phosphorus:potassium) ratio is generally recommended during fruiting?

   1. 1:4:1
   2. 2:1:2
   3. 4:1:1
   4. 1:1:4

   Explanation: A 2:1:2 N:P:K ratio supplies a balanced amount of nitrogen and potassium with moderate phosphorus, promoting fruit development. 4:1:1 is too high in nitrogen, risking excessive vegetative growth. 1:1:4 emphasizes potassium but may compromise growth, and 1:4:1 is unnecessarily high in phosphorus.

3. Micronutrient Role in Papaya Health

   A papaya plant shows yellowing between leaf veins (interveinal chlorosis); which micronutrient deficiency is most likely?

   1. Iron
   2. Boron
   3. Zinc
   4. Magnesium

   Explanation: Interveinal chlorosis in older leaves is a classic symptom of magnesium deficiency. Zinc or iron deficiencies typically affect young leaves and may show different patterns, while boron deficiency leads to distorted growth but not this specific symptom.

4. Fertilizer Application Method

   What is the best method to apply granular fertilizer to avoid root burn in young papaya plants?

   1. Dissolve fertilizer and spray on leaves
   2. Apply fertilizer in a ring 15–20 cm away from the stem
   3. Mix fertilizer into irrigation water only
   4. Broadcast fertilizer directly over the stem

   Explanation: Placing fertilizer in a ring away from the stem reduces root burn and ensures nutrients are available as roots grow outward. Broadcasting over the stem risks burn, foliar sprays are for micronutrients, and irrigation-mixed methods may result in uneven application if not carefully managed.

5. Managing Papaya Nutrient Deficiencies

   If a papaya orchard shows slow growth and pale leaves after heavy rainfall, what corrective action is most effective?

   1. Reduce potassium use
   2. Apply supplemental nitrogen fertilizer
   3. Increase phosphorus application
   4. Add more lime to the soil

   Explanation: Heavy rain can leach nitrogen from the soil, leading to pale leaves and stunted growth, so applying more nitrogen is recommended. Phosphorus and potassium deficiencies show different symptoms, and adding lime only changes pH, not immediate nutrient supply.