Multivariate and correlation network analyses in the selection of papaya cultivars in Mato Grosso, Brazil

Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is among the most widely grown fruit species in the world and have significant economic importance in Brazil. However, most of the Brazilian production is concentrated in the Northeast and Southeast regions, limiting the potential expansion of this production chain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of papaya cultivars from the Solo and Formosa groups in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, focusing on the combination of high-yield traits, fruit quality, and consumer acceptance through canonical variable analysis. The research was conducted in Tangará da Serra, MT, Brazil, using 11 papaya cultivars (Golden, Golden-THB, Aliança, UC14, UC16, UC12, Bela-Nova, Calimosa, Rubi-Incaper-511, T2, and Tainung-1). The cultivars showed significantly different results. Overall, they met the standards required by both national and international markets in terms of fruit physical appearance. Golden-THB (Solo group) showed the highest yield, while Golden had the highest ascorbic acid and beta-carotene contents. Rubi-Incaper-511 and UC16 were the most preferred by consumers, according to the sensory analysis.