Objectives(s) of Pawpaw Research and Education:
This research explores and identifies new Pawpaw cultivar and variety releases and production practices for their suitability, marketability, growth and production characteristics, grafting, pollination management, insect and disease monitoring and control and irrigation requirements under typical south central Ohio growing season to introduce this cropping system in Ohio. This research and education also includes management of native stands of Pawpaw for profit.
Planned Scope of Research:
Crop performance evaluations are monitored and recorded relative to standard varieties and growing practices at the OSU South Centers research farm and on farm research conducted on cooperating growers farms. At each harvest yield data and crop quality attributes are observed and recorded. Plant growth characteristics, insect and disease susceptibility and tolerance, fruit quality attributes and system economics are monitored and recorded.
Potential outcomes & significance of outcomes:
These research trials assist with the identification of new cultivars and crop management options that can increase the profitability of Ohio growers and introduce Pawpaw production as an option for Ohio farms. Research began in 2006 and on farm research projects continue today.
PawPaw varieties include: Wells, Mango, SAB Overleese, PAG #1, Sunflower, NC-1
Diet and Health
Ohio's pawpaw is a nutrition and landscaping gem (article by Cincinnati Food Examiner)
Nutritional Information from Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program