Fresh papaya production in Hawai'i totaled 2.4 million pounds in June, down 16 percent from May, but up 8 percent from June 2007, the National Agricultural Statistics Service reported.

Output for the first half of the year reached 15.8 million pounds, up 15 percent from the same period a year earlier.

Papaya growers were paid an average of 51 cents a pound for fresh fruit in June, down 2 cents from May, but up 1.6 cents from June 2007.

Hot and dry weather persisted into June, creating problems for some growers the NASS reported. Orchards in drier areas with poor soil quality reported sporadic flowering and smaller fruits.

In addition, seeds used to grow genetically modified fruit were in short supply, delaying future planting, the NASS said.