Pawpaw Improvement Project | Experimental Farm Network

To continue to select for larger, more delicious pawpaws (Asimina triloba). Other goals are less seed weight (7% and under,) lower acetogenins, and other novel and useful traits like early ripening, freestone seeds, disease resistance, enhanced cold hardiness, color, flavor, etc.

Description

To continue to select for larger, more delicious pawpaws (Asimina triloba). Other goals are less seed weight (7% and under,) lower acetogenins, and other novel and useful traits like early ripening, freestone seeds, disease resistance, enhanced cold hardiness, color, flavor, etc. This will involve the introduction of superior wild strains, cross-breeding and hand pollination, and using superior stock currently available. Interested in trading scions, seeds, and sharing information on what other growers are doing to improve pawpaw genetics. How can you contribute to this endeavor? What do you have to share?

Researcher background

Owner of Peaceful Heritage Nursery LLC in Stanford, KY. We specialize in pawpaws. Author of the book Pawpaws: The Complete Growing and Marketing Guide. Currently growing over 200+ pawpaw trees, mostly grafted.

Are you seeking volunteer growers or other types of volunteers?

Yes, seeking volunteer growers

How many volunteers do you need?

20

What will you ask volunteers to do?

Report on superior pawpaw seedlings you have growing that are not released in the nursery trade. Report on superior wild finds. Report on cross breeding and breeding efforts involving Asimina triloba. Report on fruit quality, with photos, weighing, and mailing back scions.

Other requirements of volunteers?

Anyone that has experience with pawpaws and who can contribute to the identifying and distribution of superior pawpaw genetics.

Is this a multi-year project?

Yes

Can volunteers expect to be able to keep some germplasm (seeds, bulbs, cuttings, spores, etc) at the close of the project?

Maybe.

Anything else?

Interested in other resilient fruits, but pawpaws are the main focus.

Researcher Location

40484
United States

Agro-Ecology or Permaculture

Disease/Pest Management

Project Updates

Pawpaw Improvement Project

project update by
betaspec1

Thursday, February 6, 2025 - 07:58

Hey Blake. Made an account because this project caught my eye. Over the past year I've been learning from Ron Powell at his farm and getting well acquainted with a number of improved Pawpaw varieties. I have access to a lot of genetic material and would love to connect and get involved in this project.

Hello Members

project update by
blake_1

Monday, January 13, 2025 - 01:38

As this project is brand new and people are still joining, I will be updating everyone here in the next few weeks on plans forward with this.

In the meantime, I would like to ask if anyone currently has superior seedling pawpaws or wild pawpaws they would like to submit to the project evaluation.

Thanks!
Blake Cothron

Contact

project update by
waddington.michael

Monday, January 13, 2025 - 01:35

Hi- wondering how you would like interested parties to reach out to you about this project. Do you have a preferred email?