Phenotypic diversity and chemical properties of pawpaw fruit quality in Ugandan germplasm
Loading...
Date
2020
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Crop Science Journal
Abstract
Pawpaw (Carica pawpaw L.) fruit production and utilisation have been on the increase in Uganda.
However, challenges related to identification of phenotypes with inherent characteristics for
improvement of fruit shelf life have limited identification of better varieties. The objective of this study
was to evaluate the phenotypic diversity and shelf life determinants of Uganda’s pawpaw accessions
and their variations based on selected quality parameters. Nineteen accessions were collected as
seeds from different markets of Uganda, germinated and planted in Namulonge-Wakiso district, central
Uganda. The accessions were significantly (P<0.05) variable in terms of fruit weight parameters, with
dry matter ranging from 14 - 19% and fruit weight of up to 3.9 kg; while pulp weight was up to 3.2 kg
per fruit. Pulp firmness parameters were also significantly variable (P<0.05) and highly correlated with
shelf life of the fruit, which ranged from 7 - 13 days depending on the accession. Fruit pulp pH ranged
from 4.4-5.6; while titratable acidity of the fruit ranged from 0.03-0.08%. The accessions were clustered
in four main clusters depending on the fruit firmness properties, fruit shelf life, fruit weight, pH and
titratable acidity as definitive parameters. These accessions were distinguished based on morphological
parameters, and henceforth defined for nutritional and economic uses. Accessions with high fruit
firmness (>5 kg F) such as 16/20’ 16/16, 16/17 and 18/1; and external pulp thickness (>2 cm) such as 16/
16, 16/17 and 18/1 had improved fruit shelf life and are recommended for marketability and processing.
Description
Keywords
Carica pawpaw, Fruit firmness, Morphology, Nutrition
Citation
Nuwamanya, E., Ampurire, O., Mukasa, Y., Katungisa, A., Kanaabi, M., & Mukiibi, E. S. (2020). Phenotypic diversity and chemical properties of pawpaw fruit quality in Ugandan germplasm. African Crop Science Journal, 28(4), 499-515. https://doi.org/10.4314/acsj.v28i4.2