Journal of NACAA

Pawpaw Cultivar Evaluation: 2007-2019

ISSN 2158-9429

Volume 13, Issue 1 - June 2020

Editor: Bindu Poudel-Ward

Abstract

In an effort to evaluate specialty crops to provide a higher income per acre to growers, the Pawpaw provides an opportunity to bring a “lost” fruit into the public eye. Efforts by plant breeders have “re-discovered” this delicious fruit with a flavor that has been described as a cross between a pineapple, mango, and banana. Pawpaw genotypes have been selected for superior flavor, lesser seed content,  and large fruit size, making it a very desirable, high-value horticultural crop that is attractive to consumers. A replicated cultivar trial of Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) was conducted to compare the yield and quality of the four cultivars and to ultimately make recommendations to growers. Pounds of fruit per tree and pounds of fruit per acre were higher for the Shenandoah cultivar in 2013.  Susquehanna cultivar had the largest fruit weight from 2013-2019.  Susquehanna cultivar had the greatest yield in pounds of fruit per acre for 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019.  The Allegheny cultivar had the highest number of fruits per tree as compared to other cultivars from 2013-2019.