Potential for Further Commercial Development of Introduced Fruits

Abstract

Many fruit species are grown and eaten in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and significant quantities of fruit are produced for both subsistence consumption and sale. The main growers are villagers, who produce only a limited quantity of each species. There is still considerable potential for expansion of production for sale, with the sale of sweet fruit into the highlands and in Port Moresby having the most potential. It is critical that further development of fruit production takes place in locations with better access to the Highlands Highway and to Port Moresby, as well as having suitable climatic conditions. Fruit species with potential for further commercial production are identified and notes given on the major constraints that need to be addressed so that this potential can be realised. Four species in particular mandarin, mango, mangosteen and rambutan - have significant potential for expanded production. Five well-established species could also be further developed and marketed. These are avocado, banana, orange, pawpaw and pineapple. A group of less common species have some limited potential for further production and marketing. In the lowlands, these are carambola, durian, guava, langsat, longan, pomelo, pulasan, rockmelon (cantaloupe), sweetsop ( custard apple) and watermelon. Highland species in this group are banana passionfruit, cape gooseberry, cherimoya, naranjilla, purple passionfruit, black raspberry, strawberry, suga prut (Passiflora ligularis) and tamarillo (tree tomato).