Efforts to domesticate the pawpaw began early in the 20th century

In 1916, a contest to find the best pawpaw was sponsored by the American Genetics Association.

Sponsors thought that “intelligent breeding” would result in commercial quality varieties and an industry would begin (Popenoe 1916, 1917).

A pawpaw industry did not develop.

At about this same time, interest in another native fruit, the blueberry was also increasing. One reason for the failure of pawpaw to become a popular as blueberry was likely related to rapid perishability of fruit (Popenoe 1916, 1917).

One reason for the failure of pawpaw to become a popular as blueberry was likely related to rapid perishability of fruit (Popenoe 1916, 1917).