96
clone
Figure 1. Flowering duration and flowering peak for eight pawpaw selections in 2004, 2005, and 2006. FP = flowering peak
duration. Identification of unique wild germ-plasm and selective breeding will be required to improve many of the flowering and fruiting characteristics of pawpaw.
Annual variation in flowering and ripening characteristics among the cultivars examined was great. An extended flowering period or larger flower number did not improve fruit set. Mature trees of currently available commercially pappaw cultivars did not display concentrated bloom periods or ripening periods; however, ‘Wells’ and ‘Middletown’ did have late flowering peaks that could allow a partial crop if early spring frosts destroy flowers around or at the flowering peak. Unfortunately, the average fruit size of ‘Wells’ and ‘Middletown’ is small and undesirable for commercial production.
a partial crop if early spring frosts destroy flowers around or at the flowering peak. Unfortunately, the average fruit size of ‘Wells’ and ‘Middletown’ is small and undesirable for commercial production.
This research was supported by U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service Agreement No. KYX-10-05-40P with Kentucky State University. The technical assistance of S. Jones, E. Reed, and J. Lowe is also gratefully acknowledged by the authors.