The cultivation of fruits in the State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, lacks information on the potential of seedling production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the production of papaya cultivar Sunrise Solo, in industrialized substrates and soil. The experiment was carried out in the State University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS), Aquidauana, from 18/11/2008 to 05/01/2009. Three protected cultivation environments, three sizes of polyethylene bags and six substrates were used in the treatments. The experimental design was a complete randomized in a split-plot scheme. The results showed that the 15.0 x 21.5 cm bag (1539.8 cm³) provided the best seedlings and the Dikson quality index showed that all environments were appropriate for seedling formation in this container. The vermiculite fertilized with 14 % organic compost was the best substrate for the formation of papaya seedlings. The Dikson quality index showed that seedlings produced in this substrate had lower quality under plastic shade netting.
Carica papaya L.; containers; greenhouse; shade netting; polyethylene bags
