Rainbow is a transgenic Hawaiian papaya developed to resist papaya ringspot virus, credited with saving Hawaii's papaya industry after the virus devastated crops in the 1990s. A red-fleshed Solo-type derived from Sunrise Solo and the virus-resistant SunUp line, it produces small pear-shaped fruit of roughly one pound with sweet reddish-orange flesh. Rainbow combines strong genetic resistance to ringspot virus with good eating quality and self-fruitful hermaphrodite plants. It became the dominant papaya in the Puna region and a landmark example of virus-resistant crop breeding. In frost-free permaculture gardens where ringspot is a threat, Rainbow offers durable protection alongside sweet dessert fruit.
Flavor Profile
Sweet reddish-orange flesh with quality comparable to Sunrise Solo.
Visual Characteristics
Small pear-shaped Solo-type fruit about one pound with reddish-orange flesh.
Growing Tips
Ideal where ringspot virus is present; grow in full sun, and self-fruitful plants bear on their own.
Resistance Information
Disease Resistance
Genetically engineered for strong resistance to papaya ringspot virus.
Where to Buy
Sourcing information coming soon. Check local nurseries and seed banks for availability.