Method and system for cultivating fruit

Abstract

A method of growing fruit such as papaya commercially, the method including the use of a structure having a covering adapted to permit sufficient light, nutrients and moisture, while substantially precluding access by potentially virus-carrying insects; together with seeds that are obtained, germinated, planted, and grown in a manner that permits plants to grow and bear seedless fruit suitable for harvest.

12 . A system for cultivating fruit, the system comprising: a structure for cultivating fruit plants, the structure having a covering adapted to permit sufficient light, nutrients and moisture, while substantially precluding access by potentially virus-carrying insects; in combination with hermaphroditic plants providing seedless fruits, 
       the system being adapted to cultivate fruit by a method comprising the steps of:
 a) providing a structure having a covering adapted to permit sufficient light, nutrients and moisture, while substantially precluding access by potentially virus-carrying insects; 
 b) providing ungerminated or germinated fruit seeds; c) planting the ungerminated or germinated fruit seeds within the structure with a predetermined spacing and density; and optionally planting the seeds within tracks designed to concentrate soil and nutrients; 
 d) mulching and/or or fertilizing the planted seeds, so as to permit the seeds to grow to small plants, wherein the small plants are Maradol papaya plants; 
 e) shielding the plants with ground cover to prevent weed and grass growth and to reflect light; 
 f) selecting hermaphroditic plants and optionally removing female plants from the growing Maradol papaya plants; 
 g) growing the remaining plants to bear parthenocarpic seedless fruit without the need for either plant breeding or genetic manipulation, and 
 h) harvesting the seedless fruit. 
 
     
     
         14 . A system according to  claim 12  wherein the papaya plant originates from the selection and growth of elongated hermaphrodite flowers. 
     
     
         15 . A system according to  claim 12  wherein the method permits the selection, transplant and growth of 8000-10000 seedlings in one hectare. 
     
     
         16 . A system according to  claim 12  wherein it is possible to obtain up to 400 metric tons of parthenogenic Maradol papaya fruits within 18 months. 
     
     
         17 . A system according to  claim 12  wherein the yield can be obtained substantially without the use of insecticides. 
     
     
         18 . A system according to  claim 12  wherein the structure is sufficient to substantially prevent virus infection. 
     
     
         19 . A system according to  claim 12  wherein the method provides an optimal combination of water, nutrients, temperature, humidity, and anti-viral protection.