Introduction. Papaya is grown mainly under tropical conditions due to its requirement of high temperatures year-round. With modern greenhouse technology and production systems, the Mediterranean countries are now able to produce many tropical crops such as banana and papaya. Such technology has also increased the yield and improved fruit quality in comparison with open field production systems. Materials and methods. Our study was conducted in an unheated greenhouse in the Mediterranean region of Turkey. Three papaya cultivars (‘SS-45’, ‘BH-65’ and ‘Sel-42’) were evaluated for their physical and physicochemical properties and yield. Results. There were no significant differences in chemical properties related to fruit cultivars. Conversely, certain features of the development cycle of these three cultivars varied: BH-65 flowered at only 65.4 cm compared with SS-45 (133.8 cm) and Sel-42 (135.1 cm). Fruit set was improved for Sel-42 (63.7 fruits) compared with SS-45 (49.3 fruits) and BH-65 (31.3 fruits). The corresponding yields for Sel-42, SS-45 and BH-65 were (28.3, 21.3 and 7.8) kg per plant, respectively. The Sel-42 cultivar presented the largest fruits (weight, 460.0 g; width, 11.7 cm; length, 16.7 cm), closely followed by those of SS-45 (433.3 g, 11.3 cm and 15.3 cm, respectively). In contrast, the cultivar BH-65 produced the smallest fruits (weight, 250.0 g; width, 9.7 cm; length, 13.3 cm). The physical and chemical characteristics did not vary among the cultivars. Conclusion. Our results allow us to recommend the cultivars Sel-42 and SS-45 for greenhouse cultivation under a Mediterranean climate in Turkey.

Introduction. Beginning in 1994, vanilla vines grown under shade houses in Reunion Island have developed disorders mainly due to the cymbidium mosaic potexvirus (CymV) and potyviruses. To reduce damage and avoid viral epidemics, we considered developing a vanilla nursery to supply farmers with virus-free plant material and to provide prophylactic advice. Accordingly, we determined the relationship between symptoms on vanilla leaves and viral diagnosis. We also determined the temporal and spatial distribution patterns of viral diseases. Materials and methods. Symptom assessment and serological tests were carried out on vanilla leaves (Vanilla fragrans) at various times. The relationship between symptoms and viral infection data was analyzed with Statistica software. Spatial distribution patterns of infected plants were generated with two-dimensional distance class analysis (2DClass). Results and discussion. Results showed that symptoms do not correlate well with serological diagnosis. Plants in all shade houses in the survey were infected mainly by CymV which spreads in the row according to cultural practices. Potyviruses could be transmitted both by insect vectors and mechanically, but for the latter case less efficiently than CymV. Conclusion. Results from this study can be used to develop control measures, including the production of healthy planting materials to manage plant disease epidemics. Further studies will involve the characterization of vanilla potyviruses so that reliable serological techniques and better molecular tools can be developed.