ISHS Acta Horticulturae 290: Genetic Resources of Temperate Fruit and Nut Crops
PAWPAW (ASIMINA) |
| Author: | R. Neal Peterson |
| Abstract:
“Of all the important native fruits of the United States, the least known is probably the pawpaw2 [Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal], which grows in the forests from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic, west to Oklahoma and as far north as New York and Michigan… Its creamy pulp is of exquisite texture in the mouth, while its distinctive flavor and its aroma, often too pungent, give it a decided individuality… The drawbacks of the fruit are largely of a commercial character. They are drawbacks which can probably be removed by intelligent breeding. With this idea a number of individuals have undertaken during the last few years to improve the pawpaw; but there is still plenty of room for work, and the American Genetics Association therefore feels the desirability of calling attention to the pawpaw, and pointing out the attractiveness of the problem it offers.” That quote is dated 1916, from an article in the Journal of Heredity announcing a national contest for the best pawpaw. Today, three-quarters of a century later, that statement is equally true. The purpose of this chapter is to place in perspective the advances that have been made in pawpaw breeding, particularly since 1916, and to describe the germplasm that exists for creating further improvement of this delectable fruit. | |
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