Papaya, a native of tropical America, is grown in
almost all tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Papaya fruits are
valued for its high nutritive and medicinal value. Papaya also yields a
valuable proteolytic enzyme ‘papain’, which has valuable industrial
applications. This important fruit ranks fifth in global production next to
citrus, banana, pineapple and mango. Quite extensive research on papaya
covering development of new varieties, production technologies, crop
protection measures and post harvest handling etc is being carried out in
many parts of the world in the recent years. Most of these findings remain
at regional level and in order to bring limelight to these findings at
global level, a common platform is required. In this context, International
Society for Horticultural Science (ISHS) in collaboration with Tamil Nadu
Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India and other scientific
organizations is organizing Second International Symposium on Papaya
at Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India during 9-12 December, 2008; following the
successful conduct of the First International Symposium on Papaya held at
Genting Highlands, Malaysia during 22-24 November, 2005. The theme of this
symposium ‘Papayas for Nutritional Security’ appropriately addresses the
need for cultivating papaya from traditional small holdings to commercial
orchards to alleviate the problem of malnutrition especially Vitamin A
deficiency in many developing countries.
The organizers of this symposium cordially invite everyone involved in
papaya research, extension, education, trade and commerce to be present at
this meeting to share their experiences and build up the fraternity and
network for advancement of this important fruit. The symposium
will consist of three days of technical proceedings with a one-day mid
symposium tour. A strong scientific programme will be presented with invited
speakers / several high-quality oral presentations to address the latest
progress made in research on papaya. In addition, a comprehensive poster
session will allow delegates to present their own research results.
