Extending indigenous knowledge on organic soil management to reduce papaya ringspot virus in Maha Sarakham Province, Thailand

บทคัดย่อ

This research compared two crops for intercropping with papaya: banana and custard apple; and two types of soil cover: dry rice straw and natural grass, on organic farms in northeast Thailand. The research was conducted in Ban Bor Yai, Borabeu District, Maha Sarakham Province from October 2018 to September 2019. Data were collected on the prevalence and level of papaya ringspot virus (PRSV) and quantity and quality of papaya. Statistically significant differences were found in yield, weight per fruit, flesh thickness, total soluble solids, disease incidence and level of disease. Banana as a companion plant promoted papaya yield, while custard apple could minimize PRSV infection. Dry rice straw was the most suitable type of mulch.