âNew Papaya variety results in higher yieldâ Papaya is widely produced in tropical and subtropical regions. However, they are capricious and sensitive to different climates. In addition, shipping is a big challenge for Papaya growers worldwide. In order to increase the productivity and improve the quality of the fruits, East-West Seed Company has introduced a new hybrid Papaya variety, âMaradonaâ, to the market. So far, production in Mexico shows great potential. The crop manager Jan Lippstreu and his colleagues introduced this variety. Maradona variety becomes increasingly popular Mrs. Katherine Panergayo is the Papaya breeder at East-West Seed Company. She first introduced the breeding history of the âMaradonaâ variety. âThis variety was among the first set of test hybrids developed by East-West Seeds after it started its Papaya breeding program around the year 2000. It takes us 8 years to develop the hybrids and another 3 years of testing and commercial seed production, before the selected hybrids are introduced to the market. After we thoroughly tested its eating quality, transportability, shelf life and yield, 'Maradona' started gaining popularity during the last 3 years.â