Success StoryAiding nurseries in producing improved pawpaw cultivars for increased profits



Aiding nurseries in producing improved pawpaw cultivars for increased profits

Author: Sheri Crabtree

Planning Unit: Agriculture and Natural Resources Programs

Major Program: Commercial Horticulture

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Over 50 pawpaw cultivars are currently commercially available, however, the great majority of these were produced through wild selection and have inferior fruit. KSU has released three improved pawpaw cultivars (KSU-Atwood, KSU-Benson, and KSU-Chappell) that were developed through selective breeding and rigorous variety trials. After working with three commercial nurseries in Kentucky and determining their needs, we have assisted these nurseries in propagating KSU cultivars, which are now available for sale at their nurseries. Improved cultivars sell for an average of $10 per tree more than seedlings, leading to a greater profit for these nurseries. This year, Kentucky nurseries sold between 20-50 trees of KSU improved cultivars, but this will increase in coming years as their nursery stock matures. We will continue to assist these nurseries with propagation material and information on methods of propagation.






Stories by Sheri Crabtree


Pawpaw grafting increases potential yields and quality of fruit

about 6 years ago by Sheri Crabtree

Many small farmers in Kentucky harvest fruit from wild pawpaw trees in woodlands or farmland, for sa... Read More


Stories by Agriculture and Natural Resources Programs


Building Capacity for Watershed Leadership

about 6 years ago by Amanda Gumbert

Members of theSouthern Extension-Research Activity-46 (SERA-46) team identified a need for building ... Read More


Multi-state Water Quality Efforts

about 6 years ago by Amanda Gumbert

Kentuckys 90,000 miles of waterways drain into the Mississippi River, which provides two-thirds of t... Read More