Weeds grow luxuriantly in papaya fields and exhaust most of the applied nutrients. In the beginning, they also compete for light, air and water, resulting in poor fruiting. Deep hoeing is recommended during first year to check weed growth. Hoeing should not be done in rainy season or after fruiting since its plants are shallow-rooted. Overgrowth of weeds also causes waterlogging condition and makes the plants vulnerable to root-rot and foot-rot in rainy season. Therefore weeding should be regularly done, especially around the plants. Application of Fluchloralin or Alachlorin or Butachlorine (2.0g/ha) as pre-emergence 2 months after transplanting can control all weeds for 4 months.

Removing unwanted male plants:
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It is necessary to keep 10% male plants in papaya orchards for good pollination, where dioecious varieties are cultivated. As soon as the plants flower, extra male plants should be uprooted. The hermaphrodite plants produce good-quality fruits and should not be confused with male plants while removing them from the orchard. Weaker and diseased plants should be uprooted, after ensuring 1 plant/pit. Earthing-up should be done 30cm in radius around the plants on or before the onset of monsoon to avoid waterlogging. It also helps plants to stand erect.