The pawpaw has progressed from a condition 500 years ago of incidental and specialized domestication, to the point today where, if suitable markets and cultivars are developed, the interest in and use of the pawpaw may increase dramatically, and the pawpaw may become agriculturally domesticated. The systematic collection of superior pawpaw varieties began in 1916, initiated by a national contest. It has been built upon by a small group of horticulturalists who had sufficient vision and knowledge to exploit the raw material. During the same period scientific investigations were slowly accumulating information and knowledge about the pawpaw, primarily because of its singular status as the sole temperate genus of the Annonaceae. These converging developments and several cultural developments, such as the importance of fruit grown without pesticides, the vulnerability of genetic resources, the role of nutrition in human health, and the potential for new crops, has focussed greater attention on the pawpaw than at any previous time. As might be expected, a number of problems exist. However, their solution is feasible through conventional plant breeding and with the aid of mechanical and cultural methods. Fortunately, most of the genetic traits needed to improve the pawpaw are available in the collected germplasm. The prospect for rapid improvement is great.
It must be admitted, though, that the domestication of a new fruit crop adapted to the temperate zone cannot rank high in the list of total human needs in the late 20th century. Many needs are more pressing: the economic development of poor regions, the protection of the environment, the preservation of species and ecosystems, the development of human potential and human creativity. The addition of the pawpaw to the library of human agricultural domestics does little to further those aims. Although it is nutritious and high in calories, because it is a temperate climate species and perishable, it cannot improve the diets of the malnourished who reside mostly in the tropics. What the domestication of the pawpaw does, is remind us of the great possibilities that still remain for the agricultural domestication of new plant species.
The author expresses his gratitude to many individuals who have given of their time and knowledge as noted throughout the chapter. Also to Harry J. Swartz, whose encouragement and editorial comments were vital to writing this chapter. To Michael Newell, for his steady interest, ideas, and timely assistance in the field. And to many friends, most especially George Johnston, Scott Minos, Paul Weatherly, Larry Bott, and Colleen Anderson. They have encouraged and sustained the author's efforts for ten years, have selflessly assisted in the tedium of collecting data, and have tasted pawpaws, beyond the call of duty, from the sublime to the disgusting.
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