Key Points
- Origin: The second commercial release from Kentucky State University, following KSU-Atwood.
- Breeding Team: Led by Professor Kirk Pomper and colleagues at KSU.
- Fruit: Medium-to-large (174–390 g, typically ≈180 g); round, uniform, and visually appealing.
- Flavor: Lush banana-mango-pineapple signature; exceptionally sweet with a buttery, dense texture.
- Seeds: Notably low seed content (~6% by weight).
- Ripening: Early season; ideal for northern locales or short summers.
- Productivity: Rated as extremely high; a reliable cropper for commercial setups.
- Resistance: Superior resistance to fungal diseases, including leaf-spotting Phyllosticta.
- Hardiness: USDA Zones 5–8 proven performance.
Variety Description
Summary
KSU-Benson™ (KSU 7-5) is the second commercial cultivar released by the Kentucky State University (KSU) Pawpaw Breeding Program. It is celebrated for its early ripening window, extreme productivity, and exceptionally sweet "banana-mango-pineapple" flavor profile. The fruit is visually attractive with a clean, smooth skin and is structurally efficient, boasting a very low seed percentage (~6% in comparative trials). Its buttery, dense texture is considered elite among modern selections. Comprehensive descriptions and trial data are maintained by KSU and regional catalogs.
Official Status and Distribution
Breeder: Kentucky State University research program led by Kirk Pomper. KSU-Benson is the successor to KSU-Atwood in the university’s lineup. Licensing: The variety is part of an official university licensing program, with grafted trees available through certified specialty nurseries.
Fruit Characteristics
Size: Medium-large, typically ranging between 174–390 g. Average Weights: While site conditions vary, a professional benchmark is ≈180 g. Form: Unusually round compared to the traditional oblong pawpaw silhouette. Seed-to-Weight Ratio: Exceptional at ≈6–6.4%, significantly reducing waste during consumption or processing. Flesh: Creamy and "custard-like," with a standout silky Mouthfeel. Flavor: High-intensity sweetness with a sophisticated tropical aroma. Sugar levels (°Brix) have been recorded around 17.4 in standardized university samplings.
Ripening Times
Early Cultivar: KSU-Benson matures ahead of most established commercial varieties. This makes it a critical selection for growers in high-latitude or high-altitude regions with limited growing degree days (GDD).
Productivity
Output is rated as very high with consistent annual bearing. Its combination of visual uniformity and taste profiles positions it as a top-tier candidate for fresh-market retail.
Tree Morphology and Growth
Habit: Grows as a small-to-medium tree, typically reaching 3.5–4.5 m at maturity with proper pruning. Growth Rate: It tends to grow somewhat more slowly than faster, lankier cultivars, but compensates with refined structure. Management: Responds well to grafting; strategic fruit thinning can further enhance individual fruit size. While not the fastest wood-producer, its ultimate quality makes it highly sought after by collectors.
Disease Resistance
Exhibits superior resilience against Phyllosticta (leaf spot) and other common orchard pathogens, ensuring a cleaner crop and healthier foliage throughout the humid summer months.
Final Assessment
KSU-Benson™ is a premium, high-yielding KSU cultivar featuring round, high-quality fruits with elite flavor and minimal seeds (~6%). Its early ripening and robust disease resistance package make it one of the most reliable and marketable choices for both commercial orchards and private gardens across USDA Zones 5–8.