Multivariate Analysis of Agronomic and Nutritional Traits in Diverse Pawpaw (Carica papaya L.) Varieties

Background and Objective: Pawpaw (Carica papaya L.) is an important tropical fruit valued for its agronomic, nutritional, and economic traits. Significant variability among varieties necessitates identifying superior genotypes for breeding, production, and processing. This study evaluated thirteen pawpaw varieties from the National Horticultural Research Institute (NIHORT), Ibadan, Nigeria, for their agronomic traits, nutritional properties, and bioactive compounds. Materials and Methods: Agronomic data were collected and analyzed, and standardized AOAC laboratory protocols were used to analyze samples. Data on agronomic and nutritional parameters underwent multivariate statistical analyses using R software to assess phenotypic diversity and trait associations. Results: Significant variation (p<0.05) was observed across varieties for most traits. Principal component analysis identified key contributors to variation, including flowering nodes, growth parameters, fruit weight, and antioxidant content. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive links among minerals and antioxidants. Hierarchical clustering classified varieties into three distinct agronomic-nutritional groups. Genotype by Yield×Trait analysis ranked varieties, highlighting Varieties 10, 17, and 8 as top performers combining yield and nutritional superiority. Conclusion: Multivariate and Genotype by Yield×Trait analyses effectively identified promising pawpaw varieties with enhanced productivity and nutritional quality, informing breeding and selection strategies for improved pawpaw cultivars.