Source: KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to
DEVELOPMENT OF NICHE FRUIT AND NUT CROPS FOR KENTUCKY AND THE SOUTHEASTERN UNITED STATES
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
EVANS-ALLEN
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0219610
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2009
Project End Date
Oct 1, 2013
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY
(N/A)
FRANKFORT,KY 40601
Performing Department
Agriculture & Environmental Science
Non Technical Summary
Kentucky is a state of small, limited-resource farms. In 2007, more than 75% of the Commonwealth?s 85,260 farms were less than 180 acres, and 80% have an annual income under $25,000. High-value fruit and nut crops for farmers? markets, on-farm markets, CSAs, locavore cooperatives, and restaurants are of great interest to small farmers. This proposal was developed through stakeholder input through conversations with individual growers, interaction with grower associations, and focus groups conducted as part of a 2004 SARE planning grant. Growers indicated an interest in identifying new high-value crops for farmers? markets, on-farm markets, CSAs, locavore cooperatives, and restaurants. Small farmers were interested in growing pawpaw, primocane fruiting blackberries, muscadine grapes, and eastern filbert blight resistant hazelnuts as new or alternative crops for Kentucky. This proposal will develop both fundamental and applied knowledge for scientific and lay publications for organic and conventional production methods and techniques to grow new niche fruit and nut crops in Kentucky and the surrounding region. Field days and tours of field plots will provide demonstrations that will improve skills, increase knowledge, and improve decision-making ability of small and limited resource farmers. Based on the results of this study, recommendations for cultivar selection and conventional and organic production practices will be developed and distributed via print, presentations, field days, and the internet to farmers in Kentucky and beyond. Organic production practices developed could positively impact public health and the environment by reducing pesticide use and enhancing agricultural biodiversity. Organically produced fruit crops will promote economically viable, environmentally sound and socially responsible production practices that reduce synthetic chemical inputs and can protect human health and the environment. Facilitating the local production of fruits and nuts could lead to improved economic opportunities in the south eastern United States, reduced energy inputs and transportation costs, and improve the health and quality of life of youth and adults in rural communities and people in urban settings.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2021119104010%
2021129106010%
2021139106010%
2021210106010%
2021119108010%
2021119108110%
2121139108110%
2041119102010%
2051129106010%
9031119303010%
Knowledge Area
212 - Pathogens and Nematodes Affecting Plants; 204 - Plant Product Quality and Utility (Preharvest); 205 - Plant Management Systems; 202 - Plant Genetic Resources; 903 - Communication, Education, and Information Delivery;

Subject Of Investigation
1119 - Deciduous tree fruits, general/other; 1129 - Berries and cane fruits, general/other; 1139 - Grapes, general/other; 1210 - Filbert;

Field Of Science
1040 - Molecular biology; 1060 - Biology (whole systems); 1081 - Breeding; 1080 - Genetics; 1020 - Physiology; 3030 - Information and communication;
Goals / Objectives
Objectives: 1. To continue a pawpaw rootstock and training system experiment to examine precocity, yield, and fruit sunburn characteristics of two cultivars on five seedling rootstocks; 2. To propagate and establish a pawpaw variety trial to evaluate promising new varieties for potential release and trademark by KSU; 3. To support on-going efforts related to KSU's role as USDA Repository for pawpaw in germplasm acquisition and preservation, including DNA fingerprinting of cultivars and native patches and examination of fruit acetogenin anticancer compounds in the repository germplasm collection; 4. To conduct variety trials under organic or conventional growing conditions for: a) six advanced selections of thornless primocane fruiting blackberries from the University of Arkansas, b) six new eastern filbert blight resistant hazelnut varieties, and c) 10 muscadine grape cultivars from the University of Georgia Muscadine Breeding Program, in collaboration with the Kentucky Organic Growers Association, Kentucky Nut Growers Association, and the Kentucky Vineyard Society, for suitability for production in Kentucky; and 5. To expand the KSU pawpaw and blackberry websites and GRIN data base. In terms of project activities, experiments will be conducted by research personnel and undergraduate student researchers will be mentored. Progress on the project objectives will be examined in biweekly meetings of research personnel and students, as well as through emails and telephone calls to cooperators. Progress will be reported in quarterly reports to university administrators. To determine if growers/marketers are adopting the practices, we will monitor during and after the study new grower participation and consumer awareness of pawpaw and blackberry fruit. This will be measured through the number of sellers of these crops at local farmers markets at the start and end of the study period, the number of new members of pawpaw grower associations, the number of participants at presentations, grower field days, number of extension bulletins distributed, number of visitors to relevant webpages on the project, and number of email and telephone contacts concerning blackberries and pawpaws. Events supported by this project include demonstration sites, field days, workshops, and trainings for a number of niche fruit and nut crops. Products will include printed, audio, video, and web site oriented materials for growers, potential applications for Plant Variety Act protection and/or trademark development; new plant germplasm, new information, skills, and technology for individuals interested in growing new niche fruit and nut crops, and students trained in the agricultural sciences. Production recommendations generated by this study will be distributed via the internet, field days, and scientific and lay publications.
Project Methods
Procedure 1: In 2004, a trial with two cultivars (Sunflower and Susquehanna) budded onto five rootstocks (Sunflower, PA-Golden, K8-2, 11-5, and RVT) and 2 pruning systems (minimal pruning versus central leader) was established. Tree vigor, height, bloom date, precocity, harvest date, fruit sun scald, tree vigor, dwarfing, yield, suckering, and graft union compatibility will be evaluated each year. Grower cooperator and the University of Kentucky farm companion plantings will also continue to be evaluated. Procedure 2: To propagate and establish a new pawpaw variety trial, six genotypes from the KSU collection and two control cultivars (Sunflower and Overleese) will be examined for regional adaptability and suitability, as well as diseases, tree growth, flowering, yield, and fruit characteristics. Procedure 3: To support on-going efforts related to KSU's role as USDA-NCGR for pawpaw in germplasm acquisition and preservation, including: a) expanding the genetic diversity of our repository collection, b) evaluation of genetic diversity using simple sequence repeat markers with leaf DNA from native patches and pawpaw cultivars, c) screening of germplasm in the KSU repository to identify high and low fruit acetogenin anticancer compounds using a brine shrimp bioassay, d) to determine if shading of container seedlings influences tissue acetogenin concentration, e) to determine if there is a positive relationship between acetogenin level in fruit and twig tissues using the brine shrimp bioassay. Procedure 4: To conduct variety trials for: a) advanced selections of thornless primocane fruiting blackberries from the University of Arkansas (Prime-Jan, APF-45, APF-120T, APF-132, APF-136T, APF-138T, APF-139T, APF-140T and APF-146T) for suitability for organic production in Kentucky. A companion planting of raspberry selections will include the cultivars: Anne, Autumn Britten, Dorman Red, Heritage, Himbo Top, Joan J, Polana, and Royalty, b) six new eastern filbert blight resistant hazelnut varieties, c) 10 muscadine grape cultivars from the University of Georgia Muscadine Breeding Program. Qualities evaluated will include fruit weight, total yield, harvest dates, disease/insect resistance, and overall plant vigor, as well as disease and insect problems. Procedure 5: To enhance information transfer concerning the propagation, production, and germplasm resources on the pawpaw and blackberry web sites, annual field days will be conducted, and germplasm information entered into the GRIN data base. The project progress will be examined in biweekly meetings of research personnel and students, communication with cooperators, and quarterly reports to university administrators. The number of sellers of these crops at local farmers markets will be evaluated at the start and end of the study period, the number of new members of pawpaw grower associations, the number of participants at presentations, and grower field days will be examined. The number of extension bulletins distributed, number of web site visitors, and number of email and telephone contacts concerning blackberries and pawpaws will be quantified.

Progress 10/01/09 to 10/01/13

Outputs
Target Audience: In an effort to meet the needs of small family farms and limited resource farmers in Kentucky and the southeastern United States, research and educational approaches were addressed by this project by developing new niche fruit and nut crops for production in these regions. This project also impacts entrepreneurs, farmers markets, and other specialty fruit retailers. Kentucky and the southeast U.S. are continuing to make a transition from tobacco to new crops, therefore, pawpaw, blackberry, muscadine grapes, and hazelnuts, and the organic production of these crops, could provide high value crops for this region. This project could therefore significantly impact low-income minority farmers by providing new crop and market opportunities for these individuals. Events held included KSU farm field days, Kentucky State Horticultural Society meetings, community festivals, Kentucky Nut Growers Association meetings, Small Limited-Resource/Minority Farmers Conference, multiple tours of KSU orchards, and distribution of extension guides that communicated information to farmers and the public about fruit and nut crops. Pawpaw and blackberry taste trials were conducted at field days which introduced growers to pawpaw and primocane fruiting blackberries. The KSU pawpaw website at: http://www.pawpaw.kysu.edu was updated and had over 85,230 visitors in 2013 alone. The new KSU Pawpaw Facebook page attracted over829 followers. KSU Pawpaw YouTube videos gained over 22,700 views. One undergraduate student completed BIO 410 research projects on pawpaw. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Over the course of this project, seven undergraduate students were mentored in research projects on pawpaw and three MS students were mentored in DNA marker techniques. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Undergraduate and graduate students, as well as the PD, and Co-PDs made presentations concerning this research project at the Crop Science Society of America Annual meeting, the American Society for Horticultural Science meeting, and the Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meetings. The PD and Co-PDs disseminated research results to the public via events held including KSU farm field days, Kentucky State Horticultural Society meetings, community festivals, Kentucky Nut Growers Association meetings, Small Limited-Resource/Minority Farmers Conference, multiple tours of KSU orchards, and distribution of extension guides that communicated information to farmers and the public about fruit and nut crops. Pawpaw and blackberry taste trials were conducted at field days which introduced growers to pawpaw and primocane fruiting blackberries. The KSU pawpaw website at: http://www.pawpaw.kysu.edu was updated and had over 85,230 visitors in 2013 alone. The new KSU Pawpaw Facebook page attracted over 829 followers. KSU Pawpaw YouTube videos gained over 22,700 views. Approximately 500 telephone calls, emails, and letters were answered concerning growing pawpaw, blackberries, and nut crops over the course of the project. We have collaborative research relationships with pawpaw growers Martin Stone, Bowling Green, KY, Mark Stadler, Urbana, OH, Neal Peterson, Berryville, VA, Mr. Roland McIntosh, Stanton, KY, Ms. Ilze Sillers Versailles, KY, Mr. Berry Lane, Waddy, KY, Dr. Ron Powell, Cincinnati, OH, Mr. Larry Ayres, Frankfort, KY, Erik Walles, Lexington, KY, Sandy Deutsch, Taylorsville, KY, Al Rider, Upton, KY and Ken Waters, Shelby Co., KY and Douglas Archbold, Lexington, KY, for the placement of organic production experiments and variety trials, and Kentucky nut growers McLaughlin, Hammett, Ray, Hedgespth, Brittain, Henson, Hines, and Day on hazelnut variety trials. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Proposal goals were met or exceeded over the course of the project. A rootstock trial that was established in 2004 at the KSU Research Farm consisting of two scions budded onto five seedling rootstocks with either minimal or central leader pruning system showed little rootstock effect on fruit production. However, central leader pruning resulted in trees that were more resistant to wind damage with right angled branching and an easier harvesting surface. Central leader training of pawpaw can now be recommended to growers as a production system. 'KSU-Atwood™' was the first pawpaw cultivar released in 2010 by KSU and five nurseries have been licensed to produce this new variety for the public. A new pawpaw variety trial was established in Ohio, KSU, and Bowling Green, Kentucky in June 2011, consisting of cultivars KSU-Atwood, Mango, and Sunflower (controls), and the KSU advanced selections H3-120, Hi4-1, G5-23, G4-25, G6-120, G9-109, and G9-111. Trees at these locations have displayed excellent growth and should produce some fruit for evaluation in 2014. KSU advanced selections were evaluated for fruit yields, cracking, Phyllosticta fungal fruit spot, and pawpaw peduncle borer incidence. A range of susceptibility was observed for these characteristics in the pawpaw germplasm evaluated. Acetogenin content of advanced selections was screened across a range of pawpaw germplasm at KSU. Both high and low acetogenin selections were identified for further study. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers revealed that KSU advanced selections enhance the genetic base of current cultivars. An Eastern Filbert Blight Resistant hazelnut trial was established at KSU and two university sites and eight nut grower sites in Kentucky with the cultivars Jefferson, Yamhill, Eta, Theta, and Gamma. Deer damage to hazelnut trees has been a continuing problem at the plantings; however, some selections may begin bearing nuts in 2014. Cold hardy muscadine grape vines from the University of Georgia only showed limited promise for production in Kentucky. Eight advanced selections of thorny and thornless primocane fruiting blackberries from the University of Arkansas were started in a trial at KSU. Several of these blackberry selections showed great promise for Kentucky production. News and information sections have been continuously updated on the KSU pawpaw website at: http://www.pawpaw.kysu.edu and there have been over 85,230 visitors in 2013 alone. The new KSU Pawpaw Facebook page attracted over 829 followers. KSU Pawpaw YouTube videos gained over 22,700 views. The Third International Pawpaw Conference was held in September 2011, attracting over 100 scientists, nurserymen, and enthusiasts from across the U.S. and internationally. Additional field days, Small Limited-Resource/Minority Farmers Conference, Kentucky State Horticultural Society Meeting, Kentucky Nut Growers Association meetings, and tours of KSU orchards were conducted over the course of the project. Research results were presented at the Kentucky Academy of Science and American Society for Horticultural Science Meetings by students and staff members.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Pomper, K. (2013). An update on new pawpaw variety development at Kentucky State University [Abstract]. 1890 Research Directors 17th Biennial Research Symposium Abstracts, 17.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Pomper, K.W. (2013). New pawpaw varieties around the corner. Kentucky State University Small Farm Field Day, Third Thursday Thing September 19, 2013, Frankfort, KY.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Lowe, J.D. (2013). Pawpaw orchard care and maintenance. Kentucky State University Small Farm Field Day, Third Thursday Thing September 19, 2013, Frankfort, KY.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Crabtree, S.B. (2013). Small fruits for Kentucky farmers. Beginning Farmer Program. September 9, 16, and 23, 2013, Franklin County, Jefferson County, and Russell County Cooperative Extension Offices.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Lowe, J.D., Pomper, K.W., Crabtree, S.B., Clark, J.R., & Strang, J.G. (2013). Three years of production data from Prime-Ark�-45 and Prime-Jan� primocane fruiting blackberries grown organically in Kentucky. Poster presented at Kentucky Academy of Science, November 9, 2013, Morehead State University, Morehead, KY.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Pomper, K.W., Crabtree, S.B., & Lowe, J.D. (2013). New selections in the Kentucky State University pawpaw breeding program. Poster presented at Kentucky Academy of Science, November 9, 2013, Morehead State University, Morehead, KY.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Crabtree, S.B., Pomper, K.W., & Lowe, J.D. (2013). Extension, education, and outreach strategies utilized by Kentucky State University pawpaw research and Extension program. Poster presented at Kentucky Academy of Science, November 9, 2013, Morehead State University, Morehead, KY.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Graves, R., Lowe, J., Pomper, K., and Crabtree, S. (2013). Correlation of acetogenin activity in twig and ripe fruit of six pawpaw [Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal] varieties as determined by the brine shrimp test. Poster presented at Kentucky Academy of Science, November 9, 2013, Morehead State University, Morehead, KY.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Lowe, J.D., Pomper, K.W., Crabtree, S.B., Clark, J.R., & Strang, J.G. (2012). Two years of production data from Prime-Ark�45 and Prime-Jan� primocane fruiting blackberries grown organically in Kentucky. Poster presented at Kentucky Academy of Science Annual Meeting, October 20, 2012, Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Pomper, K.W., Crabtree, S.B., Lowe, J.D., Wright, S., & Stone, M. (2012). The Kentucky eastern filbert blight resistant hazelnut trial. Poster presented at American Society for Horticultural Science, July 30-August 3, 2012, Miami, Florida.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Ms. Lydia Kronmaah, Senior in Biology, presented her Senior Seminar on November 22, 2013, entitled Determining a Correlation for North American Pawpaw Acetogenin Activity between Twig and Ripe Fruit as Determined by the Brine Shrimp Test.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Lowe, J.D., Pomper, K.W., Crabtree, S.B., Clark, J.R., & Strang, J.G. (2013). First year primocane yield data of advanced thorny and thornless primocane-fruiting blackberry selections at Kentucky State University [Abstract]. Poster Presentations ASHS Annual Conference, 107.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Pomper, K.W., Crabtree, S.B., & Lowe, J.D. (2013). Searching for the next pawpaw cultivar: unique germplasm selections at Kentucky State University [Abstract]. Poster Presentations ASHS Annual Conference, 148.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Crabtree, S.B., Pomper, K.W., Lowe, J.D. & May, B. (2013). Field establishment and vigor of Kentucky State University pawpaw advanced selections [Abstract]. Poster Presentations ASHS Annual Conference, 148.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Kronmaah, L. (2013). Germplasm screening for high acetogenin activity in pawpaw twig and fruit tissues. Paper presented at Association of 1890 Research Directors 17th Biennial Research Symposium, Jacksonville, FL.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Crabtree, S.B., Pomper, K.W., & Lowe, J.D. (2012). Occurrence of phyllosticta fungal fruit spot and fruit cracking in pawpaw (Asimina triloba). Poster presented at American Society for Horticultural Science, July 30-August 3, 2012, Miami, Florida.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Pomper, K.W. (2012). Eastern Filbert Blight Resistant Hazelnuts for the Eastern U.S. Paper presented at 103rd Annual Meeting Northern Nut Growers Association Meeting, July 23, 2012 Lexington, Kentucky.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Pomper, K.W. (2012). Pawpaw Production and New Cultivars. Paper presented at 103rd Annual Meeting Northern Nut Growers Association  Program July 23, 2012 Lexington, Kentucky.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Pomper, K.W., Layson, A., Lowe, J. & Crabtree, S. (2012). Pawpaw fruit variety Annonaceous Acetogenin activity is reflected in twig tissue. Poster presented at ASA, CSSA, and SSSA Annual Meetings, Oct. 21-24, Cincinnati, OH.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2013 Citation: Pomper, K.W., J.D. Lowe, and S.B. Crabtree. 2013. The Prime-Jan and Prime-Ark45 Thorny Primocane-fruiting. University of Kentucky 2013 Fruit and Vegetable Crops Research Report.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2013 Citation: Lowe, J. D., K.W. Pomper, S.B. Crabtree, J.R. Clark, and J.G. Strang. 2013. Advanced Thorny and Thornless Primocane-fruiting Blackberry Selection Trial. University of Kentucky 2013 Fruit and Vegetable Crops Research Report.


Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: A new pawpaw variety trial was established in Ohio, Arkansas, and Kentucky in June 2011, consisting of cultivars KSU-Atwood and Sunflower (controls), and the KSU advanced selections Hi4-1, Hy3-120, G4-21, G4-25, G5-23, G6-120, G9-109, and G9-111. In 2012, survival varied significantly by cultivar, with 100% of the KSU-Atwood trees surviving, and only 25% of selection G9-109 and 37.5% of selection G4-25 trees surviving, with the remainder of the cultivars and advanced selections displaying 50-87.5% survival. The selections Hy3-120, Hi4-1, G6-120, and G9-111 displayed higher than average vigor when compared to existing pawpaw cultivars in the trial. Acetogenin content of additional pawpaw advanced selections was screened. In 2011, eight advanced selections (APF-153 T, APF-156 T, APF-158, APF-172 T, APF-185 T, APF-190 T, and APF-205 T) of thorny and thornless primocane fruiting blackberries from the University of Arkansas were planted. In 2012, APF-158 had the highest yield at 2559 lbs/acre. However, all other selections had yields that were much lower, ranging from 62-575 lbs/acre. The extremely high temperatures during June-September (over half the days had daily highs of 85 F or higher), likely negatively impacted both yield and berry size on all selections. An Eastern Filbert Blight Resistant hazelnut trial continues at KSU and two university sites and eight nut grower sites in Kentucky with the cultivars Jefferson, Yamhill, Eta, Theta, and Gamma. In spring of 2012, scion wood of the recent release, KSU-Atwood, was sent from KSU to five nurseries for propagation. DNA markers were used to examine genetic diversity in pawpaw and other species. News and information sections were updated on the KSU Pawpaw website (www.pawpaw.kysu.edu); there were 83,000 visitors in 2012. A KSU Pawpaw Facebook page was established and gained about 550 followers. A September field day, Small Limited-Resource/Minority Farmers Conference (SLMFC), Kentucky State Horticultural Society Meeting (KSHS), Kentucky Nut Growers Association meetings, and tours of KSU orchards were conducted. Research results were presented at the Kentucky Academy of Science and American Society for Horticultural Science Meetings by students and staff members. Services. Approximately 150 telephone calls, emails, and letters were answered concerning growing pawpaw, blackberries, and nut crops. We mentored two undergraduate and two graduate students in research projects. Products. KSUs first trademarked pawpaw release, KSU-Atwood, is now available by five nurseries. The KSU pawpaw website was updated and had over 80,000 visitors. A new KSU Pawpaw Facebook page was created. Four informational videos on pawpaw propagation and production were produced and uploaded to YouTube. Two undergraduate students completed BIO 410 research projects on pawpaw. Dissemination. Pawpaw information was distributed to over 200 people at field day events, and 500 people attending the SLMFC and KSHS meeting. The KSU pawpaw website had about 83,000 visitors during this period. The KSU Pawpaw Facebook page attracted 550 new followers during this period. KSU Pawpaw YouTube videos were viewed by over 3,000 people. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals. Dr. Kirk Pomper, the project PD, designed experiments, analyzed data, assisted in data collection and production of crops, delivered talks to growers, extension and research personnel, developed field days, answered grower questions via email, letters, and visits, mentored undergraduate and graduate students, wrote and edited manuscripts, and served as webmaster for pawpaw and blackberry research results. Ms. Sheri Crabtree and Mr. Jeremiah Lowe, project Co-Investigators, assisted in designing experiments, analyzed data, assisted in data collection and production of crops, delivered talks to growers, extension and research personnel, developed field days, answered grower questions via email, letters, and visits, mentored undergraduate and graduate students, and wrote and edited manuscripts. Partner Organizations: USDA Collaborations: We have collaborative projects with Dr. Kim Hummer (USDA, Corvallis, OR) concerning KSU USDA Pawpaw repository efforts in germplasm evaluation. Commonwealth of Kentucky Collaborations: We collaborated with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Division of Forestry. University Collaborations: We have collaborated with Dr. John Clark of the University of Arkansas and Dr. John Strang, University of Kentucky, concerning the blackberry breeding program to test advanced selections of primocane fruiting selections that could have improved storage and shipping characteristics; Dr. Shawn Wright at the University of Kentucky on the Eastern Filbert Blight resistant hazelnut trial, and Victor Ford of the University of Arkansas on the new pawpaw variety trial. We collaborated with Dr. Patrick Conner, University of Georgia, in testing winter hardy muscadine grape selections at the KSU farm. Grower Collaborations: We have collaborative relationships with the Organic Association of Kentucky, Ohio Pawpaw Growers Association, and the PawPaw Foundation. We have collaborative research relationships with pawpaw growers Martin Stone, Bowling Green, KY, Mark Stadler, Urbana, OH, Neal Peterson, Berryville, VA, Mr. Roland McIntosh, Stanton, KY, Ms. Ilze Sillers Versailles, KY, Mr. Berry Lane, Waddy, KY, Dr. Ron Powell, Cincinnati, OH, Mr. Larry Ayres, Frankfort, KY, Erik Walles, Lexington, KY, Sandy Deutsch, Taylorsville, KY, Al Rider, Upton, KY and Ken Waters, Shelby Co., KY and Douglas Archbold, Lexington, KY, for the placement of variety trials and Kentucky nut growers McLaughlin, Hammett, Ray, Hedgespth, Brittain, Henson, Hines, and Day on hazelnut variety trials. Collaborators and contacts: KSU Collaborators. Collaborations with Companies: We have collaborated with Nolin River Nut Tree Nursery (Upton, KY), Hidden Springs Nursery (Cookeville, TN), Blossom Nursery (Eureka Springs, AR), Hartmann's Plant Company (Lacota, MI), and One Green World Nursery (Mollala, OR), who are propagating and selling KSU pawpaw selections. Training or professional development. Two undergraduate students completed research projects using DNA markers to examine pawpaw genetic diversity. One MS student was mentored in DNA marker techniques. TARGET AUDIENCES: In an effort to meet the needs of small family farms and limited resource farmers in Kentucky and the southeastern United States, research and educational approaches were addressed by this project by developing new niche fruit and nut crops for production in these regions. This project also impacts entrepreneurs, farmers markets, and other specialty fruit retailers. Kentucky and the southeast U.S. are continuing to make a transition from tobacco to new crops, therefore, pawpaw, blackberry, muscadine grapes, and hazelnuts, and the organic production of these crops, could provide high value crops for this region. This project could therefore significantly impact low-income minority farmers by providing new crop and market opportunities for these individuals. Efforts. Events held included two KSU farm field days, Kentucky State Horticultural Society meeting, a community festival, Kentucky Nut Growers Association meetings, Small Limited-Resource/Minority Farmers Conference, multiple tours of KSU orchards, and distribution of extension guides that communicated information to farmers and the public about fruit and nut crops. Pawpaw and blackberry taste trials were conducted at field days which introduced growers to pawpaw and primocane fruiting blackberries. The KSU pawpaw website at: http://www.pawpaw.kysu.edu was updated and had over 83,000 visitors. The new KSU Pawpaw Facebook page attracted over 550 followers. KSU Pawpaw YouTube videos gained over 3,000 views. Two undergraduate students completed BIO 410 research projects on pawpaw. One MS student was mentored in DNA marker techniques for their research project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Change in knowledge. This program developed both fundamental and applied knowledge for scientific and lay publications for organic and conventional production methods and techniques to grow new niche fruit and nut crops in Kentucky and the surrounding region. Field days and tours of field plots provided demonstrations that will improve skills, increase knowledge, and improve decision-making ability of small and limited resource farmers. Recommendations for cultivar selection and conventional and organic production practices have been developed and distributed via print, presentations, field days, and the internet to farmers in Kentucky and beyond. New cultivar trials will further advance recommendations for pawpaw, blackberry, and hazelnut cultivars. Change in Action. Farmers in Kentucky and the surrounding region have new niche fruit and nut crops that, when they come into production, can be sold via farmers markets, community supported agriculture, and restaurants. Organic production practices developed could positively impact public health and the environment by reducing pesticide use and enhancing agricultural biodiversity. Change in condition. The local production of pawpaw, primocane fruiting blackberry, muscadine grape fruit and hazelnuts will lead to improved economic opportunities in the southeastern United States and promote the socio-economic stability of small farmers in this region. Production of pawpaws, blackberries, muscadine grapes, and hazelnuts in Kentucky will reduce our reliance on importation on these crops and will support local food production and local economies that cannot be interrupted internationally through acts of terrorism to stop shipping of food and produce. Organically produced blackberry fruit will promote economically viable, environmentally sound and socially responsible production practices that reduce synthetic chemical inputs and can protect human health and the environment.

Publications

  • Alsaqufi, A. S., B. Gomelsky, K. Schneider, and K.W. Pomper. 2012. Verification of mitotic gynogenesis in ornamental (koi) carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) using microsatellite DNA markers. Aquaculture Research. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2109.2012.03242.x
  • Crabtree, S.B., K.W. Pomper, J. Lowe. 2012. Occurrence of Phyllosticta Fungal Fruit Spot and Fruit Cracking in Pawpaw (Asimina triloba). HortScience 47:S300.
  • Sedlacek, J.D., K.L. Friley, and K.W. Pomper. 2012. Lady Beetle Composition and Abundance in Sweet Corn Bordered by Pasture, Buckwheat, or Sunflower Companion Plantings. Kentucky Academy of Science. 72:96-100.
  • Schneider, K., J.H. Tidwell, B. Gomelsky, K.W. Pomper, G.C. Waldbieser, E. Saillant, and P.B. Mather. 2012. Genetic diversity of cultured and wild populations of the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man, 1879) based on microsatellite analysis. Aquaculture Research.
  • Pomper, K.W., S.B. Crabtree, and J.D. Lowe. 2012. Pawpaw. Register of New Fruit and Nut Cultivars List 46. Editors John R. Clark and Chad E. Finn. HortScience. 47:536-562.
  • Sedlacek, J.D., J.D. Lowe, K.W. Pomper, K.L. Friley, and S.B. Crabtree, 2012. The Pawpaw Peduncle Borer, Talponia plummeriana Busck (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae): A Pest of Pawpaw Fruit. Kentucky Academy of Science. 72:110-112.
  • Hummer K.E., Pomper, K.W., Postman, J.D., Graham, C.J., Stover, E., Mercure, E.W., Aradhya, M., Crisosto, C.H., Ferguson, L., Thompson, M.M., Byers, P., and F. Zee. 2012. Emerging Fruit Crops. Chapter 4, pp.97-147. In: (M. L. Badenes and D.H. Byrne, eds.) Fruit Breeding. Springer, NY, NY. 875 pp.
  • Sedlacek, J.D., K.L. Friley, K.W. Pomper, J.D. Lowe, S.B. Crabtree, I. Howard, and M.K. Bomford. 2012. Incidence of Stink Bug Species in Organically Grown Prime-Jan and Prime Jim Blackberry Plantings in Central Kentucky. University of Kentucky 2012 Fruit and Vegetable Crops Research Report. PR656:24-25.
  • Pomper, K.W., J.D. Lowe, and S.B. Crabtree. 2012. The Prime-Jan and Prime-Ark45 Thorny Primocane-fruiting. University of Kentucky 2012 Fruit and Vegetable Crops Research Report. PR656:21-22.
  • Lowe, J. D., K.W. Pomper, S.B. Crabtree, J.R. Clark, and J.G. Strang. 2012. Advanced Thorny and Thornless Primocane-fruiting Blackberry Selection Trial at Kentucky State University. University of Kentucky 2012 Fruit and Vegetable Crops Research Report. PR656:20-21.
  • Pomper, K.W., S.B. Crabtree, J.D. Lowe, S. Wright, and M. Stone. 2012. The Kentucky Eastern Filbert Blight Resistant Hazelnut Trial. HortScience 47:S271.


Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities. In spring of 2011, scion wood of the recent release, KSU-Atwood, was sent from KSU to five nurseries for propagation, and commercial sales of KSU-Atwood began in fall 2011. A rootstock trial that was established in 2004 at the KSU Research Farm consisting of two scions budded onto five seedling rootstocks with either minimal or central leader pruning system showed little rootstock effect on fruit production. KSU advanced selections were evaluated for fruit yields, cracking, Phyllosticta fungal fruit spot, and pawpaw peduncle borer incidence. A new pawpaw variety trial was established in Ohio, Arkansas, and Kentucky in June 2011, consisting of cultivars KSU-Atwood and Sunflower (controls), and the KSU advanced selections Hi4-1, H3-120, G4-21, G4-25, G5-23, G6-120, G9-109, and G9-111. Acetogenin content of advanced selections was screened. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers revealed that KSU advanced selections enhance the genetic base of current cultivars. An Eastern Filbert Blight Resistant hazelnut trial was established at KSU and two university sites and eight nut grower sites in Kentucky with the cultivars Jefferson, Yamhill, Eta, Theta, and Gamma. Cold hardy muscadine vines from the University of Georgia were lost to either lack of cold hardiness or herbicide overspray. Eight advanced selections of thorny and thornless primocane fruiting blackberries from the University of Arkansas were started in a trial at KSU. News and information sections were updated on the KSU Pawpaw website (www.pawpaw.kysu.edu); there were 80,000 visitors in 2011. A KSU Pawpaw Facebook page was established and gained about 250 followers. The Third International Pawpaw Conference (TIPC) was held in September, attracting over 100 scientists, nurserymen, and enthusiasts from across the U.S. and internationally. Additional field days, Small Limited-Resource/Minority Farmers Conference (SLMFC), Kentucky State Horticultural Society Meeting (KSHS), Kentucky Nut Growers Association meetings, and tours of KSU orchards were conducted. Research results were presented at the Kentucky Academy of Science and American Society for Horticultural Science Meetings by students and staff members. Services. Approximately 150 telephone calls, emails, and letters were answered concerning growing pawpaw, blackberries, and nut crops. We mentored two undergraduate and two graduate students in research projects. Products. KSU's first trademarked pawpaw release, KSU-Atwood, is now available by five nurseries. The KSU pawpaw website was updated and had over 80,000 visitors. A new KSU Pawpaw Facebook page was created. Four informational videos on pawpaw propagation and production were produced and uploaded to youtube. Two undergraduate students completed BIO 410 research projects on pawpaw. Dissemination. Pawpaw information was distributed to over 100 people at TIPC, 200 people at field day events, and 500 people attending the SLMFC and KSHS meeting. The KSU pawpaw website had about 80,000 visitors during this period. The KSU Pawpaw Facebook page attracted 250 new followers during this period. KSU Pawpaw youtube videos were viewed by over 3,000 people. PARTICIPANTS: PARTICIPANTS: Individuals. Dr. Kirk Pomper, the project PD, designed experiments, analyzed data, assisted in data collection and production of crops, delivered talks to growers, extension and research personnel, developed field days, answered grower questions via email, letters, and visits, mentored undergraduate and graduate students, wrote and edited manuscripts, and served as webmaster for pawpaw and blackberry research results. Ms. Sheri Crabtree and Mr. Jeremiah Lowe, project Co-Investigators, assisted in designing experiments, analyzed data, assisted in data collection and production of crops, delivered talks to growers, extension and research personnel, developed field days, answered grower questions via email, letters, and visits, mentored undergraduate and graduate students, and wrote and edited manuscripts. Partner Organizations: USDA Collaborations: We have collaborative projects with Dr. Kim Hummer (USDA, Corvallis, OR) concerning KSU USDA Pawpaw repository efforts in germplasm evaluation. Commonwealth of Kentucky Collaborations: We collaborated with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Division of Forestry. University Collaborations: We have collaborated with Dr. John Clark of the University of Arkansas and Dr. John Strang, University of Kentucky, concerning the blackberry breeding program to test advanced selections of primocane fruiting selections that could have improved storage and shipping characteristics; Dr. Shawn Wright at the University of Kentucky on the Eastern Filbert Blight resistant hazelnut trial, and Victor Ford of the University of Arkansas on the new pawpaw variety trial. We collaborated with Dr. Patrick Conner, University of Georgia, in testing winter hardy Muscadine selections at the KSU farm. Grower Collaborations: We have collaborative relationships with the Organic Association of Kentucky, Ohio Pawpaw Growers Association, and the PawPaw Foundation. We have collaborative research relationships with pawpaw growers Martin Stone, Bowling Green, KY, Mark Stadler, Urbana, OH, Neal Peterson, Berryville, VA, Mr. Roland McIntosh, Stanton, KY, Ms. Ilze Sillers Versailles, KY, Mr. Berry Lane, Waddy, KY, Dr. Ron Powell, Cincinnati, OH, Mr. Larry Ayres, Frankfort, KY, Erik Walles, Lexington, KY, Sandy Deutsch, Taylorsville, KY, Al Rider, Upton, KY and Ken Waters, Shelby Co., KY and Douglas Archbold, Lexington, KY, for the placement of organic production experiments and variety trials, and Kentucky nut growers McLaughlin, Hammett, Ray, Hedgespth, Brittain, Henson, Hines, and Day on hazelnut variety trials. Collaborators and contacts: KSU Collaborators. Collaborations with Companies: We have collaborated with Nolin River Nut Tree Nursery (Upton, KY), Hidden Springs Nursery (Cookeville, TN), Blossom Nursery (Eureka Springs, AR), Hartmann's Plant Company (Lacota, MI), and One Green World Nursery (Mollala, OR), who are propagating and selling KSU pawpaw selections. Training or professional development. Two undergraduate students completed research projects using DNA markers to examine pawpaw genetic diversity. One MS student in aquaculture was mentored in DNA marker techniques. TARGET AUDIENCES: TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences. In an effort to meet the needs of small family farms and limited resource farmers in Kentucky and the southeastern United States, research and educational approaches were addressed by this project by developing new niche fruit and nut crops for production in these regions. This project also impacts entrepreneurs, farmers markets, and other specialty fruit retailers. Kentucky and the southeast U.S. are continuing to make a transition from tobacco to new crops, therefore, pawpaw, blackberry, muscadine grapes, and hazelnuts, and the organic production of these crops, could provide high value crops for this region. This project could therefore significantly impact low-income minority farmers by providing new crop and market opportunities for these individuals. Efforts. Events held included the Third International Pawpaw Conference, KSU farm field days, Kentucky State Horticultural Society meeting, a community festival, Kentucky Nut Growers Association meetings, Small Limited-Resource/Minority Farmers Conference, multiple tours of KSU orchards, and distribution of extension guides that communicated information to farmers and the public about fruit and nut crops. Pawpaw and blackberry taste trials were conducted at field days which introduced growers to pawpaw and primocane fruiting blackberries. The KSU pawpaw website at: http://www.pawpaw.kysu.edu was updated and had over 70,000 visitors. The new KSU Pawpaw Facebook page attracted over 250 followers. KSU Pawpaw youtube videos gained over 3,000 views. Two undergraduate students completed BIO 410 research projects on pawpaw. One MS student in aquaculture was mentored in DNA marker techniques for their research project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Change in knowledge. This program will develop both fundamental and applied knowledge for scientific and lay publications for organic and conventional production methods and techniques to grow new niche fruit and nut crops in Kentucky and the surrounding region. Field days and tours of field plots provided demonstrations that will improve skills, increase knowledge, and improve decision-making ability of small and limited resource farmers. Recommendations for cultivar selection and conventional and organic production practices have been developed and distributed via print, presentations, field days, and the internet to farmers in Kentucky and beyond. New cultivar trials will further advance recommendations for pawpaw, blackberry, and hazelnut cultivars. Change in Action. Farmers in Kentucky and the surrounding region have new niche fruit and nut crops that, when they come into production, can be sold via farmers markets, community supported agriculture, and restaurants. Organic production practices developed could positively impact public health and the environment by reducing pesticide use and enhancing agricultural biodiversity. Change in condition. The local production of pawpaw, primocane fruiting blackberry, muscadine grape fruit and hazelnuts will lead to improved economic opportunities in the southeastern United States and promote the socio-economic stability of small farmers in this region. Production of pawpaws, blackberries, muscadine grapes, and hazelnuts in Kentucky will reduce our reliance on importation on these crops and will support local food production and local economies that cannot be interrupted internationally through acts of terrorism to stop shipping of food and produce. Organically produced blackberry fruit will promote economically viable, environmentally sound and socially responsible production practices that reduce synthetic chemical inputs and can protect human health and the environment.

Publications

  • Botkins, J. B., J. D. Lowe, K. W. Pomper, L. Lu, and S. B. Crabtree. 2011. Genetic Diversity and Geographic Differentiation in Pawpaw Populations from Six States as Revealed by DNA Markers. Association of Research Directors, Inc. 16th Biennial Research Symposium Abstract Book, pg. 139
  • Pomper, K.W., S.B. Crabtree, and J.D. Lowe. 2011. The North American Pawpaw Variety: KSU-AtwoodTM. Journal of the American Pomological Society 65:218-221
  • Lu, L., K.W. Pomper, J. D. Lowe, and S. B. Crabtree. 2011. Genetic Variation in Pawpaw Cultivars Using Microsatellite Analysis. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 136:415-421
  • Pomper, K.W., L. Lu, J.D. Lowe, and S.B. Crabtree. 2011. Enhancing Genetic Variation in Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) Cultivars Using Microsatellite Analysis. HortScience 46:S206
  • Crabtree, S.B., K.W. Pomper, and J.D. Lowe. 2011. Yield Characteristics of the New North American Pawpaw Cultivar Release KSU-Atwood Compared to Two Common Commercially Available Cultivars. HortScience 46:S190.
  • Friley, K. L., J. D. Sedlacek, K. W. Pomper, J. D. Lowe, S. B. Crabtree, and M. K. Bomford. 2011. Timing of Primocane Mowing Influences Flowering and Ripening Time in Primocane Fruiting Blackberry Selections in Kentucky. Association of Research Directors, Inc. 16th Biennial Research Symposium Abstract Book, pg. 149
  • Grayson-Holt, M. L., J. D. Sedlacek, K. L. Friley, K. W. Pomper, J. D. Lowe, M. K. Bomford, C. M. Wales, and R. S. Hayden. 2011. Stink Bug Species Associated with Organic Blackberry Production in Central Kentucky. Association of Research Directors, Inc. 16th Biennial Research Symposium Abstract Book, pg. 166
  • Kobayashi, H., C. Wang, and K. W. Pomper. 2011. Antioxidant Capacity and Anticancer Property of Pawpaw (Asimina triloba). Association of Research Directors, Inc. 16th Biennial Research Symposium Abstract Book, pg. 223
  • Lu, L., K. W. Pomper, and K. Kaul. 2011. Implementation of Educational Opportunities Focused on Biotechnology and Related STEM Areas at Kentucky State University. Association of Research Directors, Inc. 16th Biennial Research Symposium Abstract Book, pg. 211
  • Lowe, J.D., K.W. Pomper, L. Lu, and S.B. Crabtree. 2011. Using SSR Markers to Determine Genetic Diversity in Six Pawpaw [Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal] Populations From Five States. HortScience 46:S388.
  • Pomper, K. W., S. B. Crabtree, and J. D. Lowe. 2011. The Kentucky State University Pawpaw Program: Finding the Next Great Pawpaw Cultivar. Association of Research Directors, Inc. 16th Biennial Research Symposium Abstract Book, pg. 155
  • Crabtree, S. B., K. W. Pomper, K. Neblett, and S. Skaggs. 2011. Leaf Morphology and Stomatal Density Varies by Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) Variety. Association of Research Directors, Inc. 16th Biennial Research Symposium Abstract Book, pg. 180
  • Pomper, K.W., J.D. Lowe, S.B. Crabtree, J.R. Clark, and J.G. Strang. 2011. University of Arkansas Thorny and Thornless Primocane-fruiting Blackberry Trial at Kentucky State University. The University of Kentucky 2010 Fruit and Vegetable Research Report, University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Lexington, KY. PR608:23-24.
  • Pomper, Kirk W., Jeremy D. Lowe, Sheri B. Crabtree, John R. Clark, and John G. Strang. 2011. University of Arkansas Thorny and Thornless Primocane-fruiting Blackberry Trial at Kentucky State University. The University of Kentucky 2010 Fruit and Vegetable Research Report pp. 23-24.
  • Lowe, J. D., K. W. Pomper, J. D. Sedlacek, K. L. Friley, and S. B. Crabtree. 2011. The Pawpaw Peduncle Borer (Talponia plummeriana): A Pest of the North American Pawpaw (Asimina triloba). Association of Research Directors, Inc. 16th Biennial Research Symposium Abstract Book, pg. 184
  • Banda, Y., J. D. Lowe, K. W. Pomper, L. Lu, and S. B. Crabtree. 2011. Genetic Diversity in Kentucky Pawpaw Populations Using DNA Markers. Association of Research Directors, Inc. 16th Biennial Research Symposium Abstract Book, pg. 131.


Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities. The KSU Horticulture Program released its first pawpaw variety KSU-Atwood. A rootstock trial was established in 2004 at the KSU Research Farm that consisted of two scions budded onto five seedling rootstocks with either minimal or central leader pruning system. Fruit were harvested twice a week through mid-October from this planting and all fruit were weighed. To prepare for a new regional variety trial that will be planted in 2011, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to examine budding success with KSU-Atwood and Sunflower (controls), as well as the KSU advanced selections Hi4-1, H3-120, G4-21, G4-25, G5-23, G6-120, G9-109, or G9-111. At 19 weeks after budding, most selections had a high budding success rate (75%). These trees will be incorporated into a new regional variety trial next year. In a continuing pawpaw cultivar development trial, yield and fruit weight data were also collected for varieties KSU-Atwood, PA-Golden, Mitchell, and the parent trees of seven KSU advanced selections. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers revealed that KSU advanced selections contain unique pawpaw germplasm that should enhance the genetic base of cultivars if these selections are released to the public. About 500 hazelnut trees (cultivars Jefferson, Yamhill, Eta, Theta, Gamma) were propagated for field trials in 2011. Nineteen replacement muscadine vines from the University of Georgia Muscadine Breeding Program were planted on June 11 to replace vines that had died due to winter injury, drought, and/or herbicide overspray, and will be evaluated in 2011. Yield data was recorded in a primocane fruiting blackberry trial that included six advanced selections of thorny and thornless primocane fruiting blackberries from the University of Arkansas (APF-120T, APF-132, APF-136T, APF-138T, APF-139T, APF-140T, and APF-146T), and Prime Jan and Prime-Ark 45. News and information sections were updated on the KSU Pawpaw website (www.pawpaw.kysu.edu); this website had 70,000 visitors in 2010. Events. Workshops were held and information distributed at field days, Small Limited-Resource/Minority Farmers Conference, Kentucky State Horticultural Society Meeting, a community festival, Kentucky Nut Growers Association meetings, and tours of KSU orchards. Research results were presented at the Kentucky Academy of Science Meetings by students and staff members. Services. Approximately 150 telephone calls, emails, and letters were answered from people who have questions about growing pawpaw, blackberries, and nut crops. We mentored three undergraduate and one graduate student in research projects. Products. The KSU pawpaw website was updated and has had over 70,000 visitors. Two undergraduate students completed BIO 410 research projects on pawpaw. Two new extension bulletins were created for distribution to farmers. Dissemination. Pawpaw information was distributed to 500 people attending the Small Limited-Resource/Minority Farmers Conference and Kentucky State Horticultural Society Meeting. Two new extension bulletins were distributed at meetings and field days. The KSU pawpaw website had about 70,000 visitors during this period. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals. Dr. Kirk Pomper, the project PD, designed experiments, analyzed data, assisted in data collection and production of crops, delivered talks to growers, extension and research personnel, developed field days, answered grower questions via email, letters, and visits, mentored undergraduate and graduate students, wrote and edited manuscripts, and served as webmaster for pawpaw and blackberry research results. Ms. Sheri Crabtree and Mr. Jeremiah Lowe, project Co-Investigators, assisted in designing experiments, analyzed data, assisted in data collection and production of crops, delivered talks to growers, extension and research personnel, developed field days, answered grower questions via email, letters, and visits, mentored undergraduate and graduate students, and wrote and edited manuscripts. Partner Organizations: USDA Collaborations: We have collaborative projects with Dr. Kim Hummer (USDA, Corvallis, OR) concerning KSU USDA Pawpaw repository efforts in germplasm evaluation. Commonwealth of Kentucky Collaborations: We collaborated with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Division of Forestry. University Collaborations: We have collaborated with Dr. John Clark of the University of Arkansas and Dr. John Strang, University of Kentucky, concerning the blackberry breeding program to test advanced selections of primocane fruiting selections that could have improved storage and shipping characteristics. We collaborated with Dr. Patrick Conner, University of Georgia, in testing winter hardy Muscadine selections at the KSU farm. Grower Collaborations: We have collaborative relationships with the Organic Association of Kentucky, Ohio Pawpaw Growers Association, and the PawPaw Foundation. We have collaborative research relationships with pawpaw growers Neal Peterson Berryville, VA, Mr. Roland McIntosh, Stanton, KY, Ms. Ilze Sillers Versailles, KY, Mr. Berry Lane, Waddy, KY, Dr. Ron Powell, Cincinnati, OH, Mr. Larry Ayres, Frankfort, KY, Erik Walles, Lexington, KY, Sandy Deutsch, Taylorsville, KY, Al Rider, Upton, KY and Ken Waters, Shelby Co., KY and Douglas Archbold, Lexington, KY, for the placement of organic production experiments and rootstock trials. Collaborations with Companies: We have collaborations with Dr. Bill Keller of Nature Sunshine Products, Spanish Forks, UT, who is assisting us in screening for high and low acetogenin fruit selections. Collaborators and contacts: KSU Collaborators. We have research collaborations with Dr. John Sedlacek, KSU insect pest management, Drs. Mims, Tidwell, and Gomelsky in molecular genetics in various fish species and fresh water prawn germplasm. Collaborations with Companies: We have collaborated with Nolin River Nut Tree Nursery (Upton, KY), Hidden Springs Nursery (Cookeville, TN), Blossom Nursery (Eureka Springs, AR), Hartmanns Plant Company (Lacota, MI), and One Green World Nursery (Mollala, OR), who are propagating and selling KSU pawpaw selections. Training or professional development. Two undergraduate students completed research projects using DNA markers to examine pawpaw genetic diversity. One MS student in aquaculture was mentored in DNA marker techniques. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences. In an effort to meet the needs of small family farms and limited resource farmers in Kentucky and the southeastern United States, research and educational approaches were addressed by this project by developing new niche fruit and nut crops for production in these regions. This project also impacts entrepreneurs, farmers markets, and other specialty fruit retailers. Kentucky and the southeast U.S. are continuing to make a transition from tobacco to new crops, therefore, pawpaw, blackberry, muscadine grapes, and hazelnuts, and the organic production of these crops, could provide high value crops for this region. This project could therefore significantly impact low-income minority farmers by providing new crop and market opportunities for these individuals. Efforts. Events held included KSU farm field days, Kentucky State Horticultural Society meeting, a community festival, Kentucky Nut Growers Association meetings, Small Limited-Resource/Minority Farmers Conference, multiple tours of KSU orchards, and distribution of extension guides that communicated information to farmers and the public about fruit and nut crops. Pawpaw and blackberry taste trials were conducted at field days which introduced growers to pawpaw and primocane fruiting blackberries. The KSU pawpaw website at: http://www.pawpaw.kysu.edu was updated and had over 70,000 visitors. Two undergraduate students completed BIO 410 research projects on pawpaw. One MS student in aquaculture was mentored in DNA marker techniques for their research project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Change in knowledge. This proposal will develop both fundamental and applied knowledge for scientific and lay publications for organic and conventional production methods and techniques to grow new niche fruit and nut crops in Kentucky and the surrounding region. Field days and tours of field plots provided demonstrations that will improve skills, increase knowledge, and improve decision-making ability of small and limited resource farmers. Recommendations for cultivar selection and conventional and organic production practices have been developed and distributed via print, presentations, field days, and the internet to farmers in Kentucky and beyond. Change in Action. Farmers in Kentucky and the surrounding region have new niche fruit and nut crops that, when they come into production, can be sold via farmers markets, community supported agriculture, and restaurants. Organic production practices developed could positively impact public health and the environment by reducing pesticide use and enhancing agricultural biodiversity. Change in condition. The local production of pawpaw, primocane fruiting blackberry, and muscadine grape fruit and hazelnuts will lead to improved economic opportunities in the southeastern United States and promote the socio-economic stability of small farmers in this region. Production of blackberries, muscadine grapes, and hazelnuts in Kentucky will reduce our reliance on importation on these crops and will support local food production and local economies that cannot be interrupted internationally through acts of terrorism to stop shipping of food and produce. Organically produced blackberry fruit will promote economically viable, environmentally sound and socially responsible production practices that reduce synthetic chemical inputs and can protect human health and the environment.

Publications

  • Pomper, K.W., J. D. Lowe, L. Lu, S. B. Crabtree, S. Dutta, K. Schneider, and J. Tidwell. 2010. Characterization and Identification of Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) Cultivars and Advanced Selections by Simple Sequence Repeat Markers. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 135: 143-149.
  • Crabtree, Sheri B, Kirk W. Pomper, and Jeremiah D. Lowe. 2010. Within-cluster hand-thinning increases fruit weight in North American pawpaw [Asimina triloba (L.) Dunal]. Journal of the American Pomological Society 64(4): 234-240.
  • Pomper, Kirk W., Jeremy D. Lowe, Sheri B. Crabtree, John R. Clark, and John G. Strang. 2011. The Thorny and Thornless Primocane-fruiting Blackberry Trial at Kentucky State University. The University of Kentucky 2010 Fruit and Vegetable Research Report. PR-608:23.
  • Sedlacek, John D., Karen Friley, Kirk W. Pomper, Jeremiah D. Lowe, Sheri B. Crabtree, and Michael K. Bomford. The Influence of Primocane Mowing Date on Flowering, Ripening, and Stink Bug Populations on Primocane-fruiting Blackberry Selections in Kentucky. The University of Kentucky 2010 Fruit and Vegetable Research Report. PR-608:24.
  • Novelo, Noel D., Boris Gomelsky, and Kirk W. Pomper. 2010. Inheritance and reliability of random amplified polymorphic DNA-markers in two consecutive generations of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Aquaculture Research 41:220-226. (http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/122464165/PDFSTA RT)
  • Sedlacek, J.D., K.L. Friley, J.D. Lowe and K.W. Pomper. 2010. Potential of ripe pawpaw fruit extract as an insecticide and feeding deterrent for striped cucumber beetle on squash. J. Entomol. Sci. 45:378-384.
  • Crabtree, Sheri B. 2010. Sheris Nut and Pawpaw Recipes. 2010. The Kentucky Colonels Kernel 2-40(4):5.
  • Pomper, Kirk W., Jeremy D. Lowe, and Sheri B. Crabtree. 2010. Organic Production of Primocane Fruiting Blackberries. Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Bulletin. PBI-005.
  • Pomper, Kirk W., Sheri B. Crabtree, and Jeremy D. Lowe. 2010. Organic Production of Pawpaw. Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Bulletin. PBI-004.
  • Pomper, Kirk, Sheri Crabtree, and Jeremiah Lowe. 2010. Searching for the Next Pawpaw Cultivar: An Update on Germplasm Screening at Kentucky State University. HortScience 45:S260.
  • Lowe, Jeremiah, Kirk Pomper, and Sheri Crabtree. 2010. Yield Characteristics from 2006 to 2009 for Primocane-fruiting Blackberries from the University of Arkansas Breeding Program Grown in Kentucky. HortScience 45:S260.
  • Lu, Li, Kirk Pomper, Jeremiah Lowe, and Sheri Crabtree. 2010. Using SSR Markers to Enhance Genetic Variation in the Development of Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) Cultivars. HortScience 45:S260-261.
  • Crabtree, Sheri, Kirk Pomper, and Jeremiah Lowe. 2010. Seedling Rootstock Recommendations for Pawpaw (Asimina triloba). HortScience 45:S259.
  • Kobayashi, Hideka, Kirk William Pomper, and Changzheng Wang. 2010. Phenolic Rich Pawpaw Extract Fraction Is Cytotoxic to Carcinomic Human Alveolar Basal Epithelial Cell Line A549. HortScience 45:S291.
  • Pomper, K.W. 2010. Small Scale Processing of Ripe Pawpaw Fruit. The Kentucky Colonels Kernel 2-40(1):3-4.
  • Pomper. Kirk W. 2010. A Summary of the KNGA Summer Grafting Workshop and Tour. The Kentucky Colonels Kernel 2-40(4):2-3.
  • Lowe, Jeremiah, Kirk Pomper, John Sedlacek, Karen Friley, and Sheri Crabtree. 2010. The Pawpaw Peduncle Borer Also Attacks Pawpaw Fruit. The Kentucky Colonels Kernel 2-40(4):4.
  • Hollins, Myesha, Li Lu, Kirk Pomper, Jeremiah Lowe, and Sheri Crabtree. 2010. Using DNA Markers to Distinguish Scion and Rootstock Tissues on Grafted Pawpaw (Asimina triloba) Trees. Annual Posters at the Capitol Abstract Book pg. 46. http://campus.murraystate.edu/services/URSA.
  • Strang, J. and Kirk W. Pomper, 2010. Its Time to Think About Fertilizing and Pruning Your Nut Trees! The Kentucky Colonels Kernel 2-40(1):2.
  • Pomper. K. W. 2010. Forest Production of Pawpaws. Kentucky Woodlands Magazine. Vol. 4:18-19.
  • Strang, J., and K. W. Pomper. 2010. Planting, Training, and Fertilization of New Nut Trees. The Kentucky Colonels Kernel 2-40(2):3-4.
  • Pomper. K. W. 2010. KSU and KNGA Eastern Filbert Blight Resistant Hazelnut Trial Planting, Training, and Fertilization of New Nut Trees. The Kentucky Colonels Kernel 2-40(3):5-6.
  • Pomper, K.W. 2010. Recognizing the Contributions of Les Wilmoth to KNGA and to Nut Growing In Kentucky. The Kentucky Colonels Kernel 2-40(3):4-5.


Progress 10/01/09 to 12/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Activities. A rootstock trial was established in 2004 at the KSU Research Farm that consisted of two scions budded onto five seedling rootstocks with either minimal or central leader pruning system. Fruit were harvested twice a week through mid-October from this planting and all fruit were weighed. Yield and harvest data were entered into excel and are being analyzed using CoStat statistical software. Fruit from promising KSU germplasm selections, G4-20, G4-25, G9-107, G9-108, G9-111, and H3-28, were harvested and evaluated as promising new potential cultivar releases worthy of propagation and further study. Seed was collected from fruit, cleaned, and stored for generating rootstock for propagation of future KSU trademark selections. Fruit from 15 varieties were also harvested, pulp extracted, and frozen for future studies examining fruit acetogenin concentration. Muscadine grape cultivars from the University of Georgia Muscadine Breeding Program were inspected and all the vines survived the first year after planting. Winter injury data will be collected next May. News and information sections were updated on the KSU Pawpaw website (www.pawpaw.kysu.edu). The pawpaw information website has had over 300,000 hits since November, 2003. The site has received over 150,000 visitors since January, 2009 when a new webstat counter was added to the website. Events. Presentations were made at the Kentucky Academy of Science Meetings by three students and three staff members concerning pawpaw and blackberry research efforts. Services. Approximately 50 telephone calls, emails, and letters were answered from people who have questions about growing pawpaw, blackberries, and nut crops. We mentored three undergraduate and one graduate student in research projects. Products. The KSU pawpaw website was updated and has had over 300,000 visitors since 2003. Two undergraduate students completed BIO 410 research projects on pawpaw. A new extension bulletin was created for distribution to farmers which was entitled: Forest Production of Pawpaw. An undergraduate student won first place for her presentation concerning pawpaw genetics in the Botany section of the Kentucky Academy of Science Meeting. Dissemination. Pawpaw information was distributed to 200 people attending the Small and Minority Farmers Conference at Kentucky State University. A new extension bulletin was created and was distributed at the conference that was entitled: Forest Production of Pawpaw. The KSU pawpaw website had about 50,000 visitors during this period. PARTICIPANTS: Individuals. Dr. Kirk Pomper, the project PD, designed experiments, analyzed data, assisted in data collection and production of crops, delivered talks to growers, extension and research personnel, developed field days, answered grower questions via email, letters, and visits, mentored undergraduate and graduate students, wrote and edited manuscripts, and served as webmaster for pawpaw and blackberry research results. Ms. Sheri Crabtree and Mr. Jeremiah Lowe, project Co-Investigators, assisted in designing experiments, analyzed data, assisted in data collection and production of crops, delivered talks to growers, extension and research personnel, developed field days, answered grower questions via email, letters, and visits, mentored undergraduate and graduate students, and wrote and edited manuscripts. Partner Organizations: USDA Collaborations: We have collaborative projects with Dr. Kim Hummer (USDA, Corvallis, OR) concerning KSU USDA Pawpaw repository efforts in germplasm evaluation. Commonwealth of Kentucky Collaborations: We collaborated with Mr. Tim Sheehan of the Kentucky Division of Forestry on the production of pawpaw seedlings for distribution by the Commonwealth to the public. University Collaborations: We have collaborated with Dr. John Clark of the University of Arkansas and Dr. John Strang, University of Kentucky, concerning the blackberry breeding program to test advanced selections of primocane fruiting selections that could have improved storage and shipping characteristics. We collaborated with Dr. Patrick Conner, University of Georgia, in testing winter hardy Muscadine selections at the KSU farm. Grower Collaborations: We have collaborative research relationships with pawpaw growers Neal Peterson Berryville, VA, Mr. Roland McIntosh, Stanton, KY, Ms. Ilze Sillers Versailles, KY, Mr. Berry Lane, Waddy, KY, Dr. Ron Powell, Cincinnati, OH, Mr. Larry Ayres, Frankfort, KY, Erik Walles, Lexington, KY, Sandy Deutsch, Taylorsville, KY, Al Rider, Upton, KY and Ken Waters, Shelby Co., KY and Douglas Archbold, Lexington, KY, for the placement of organic production experiments and rootstock trials. Collaborations with Companies: We have collaborations with Dr. Bill Keller of Nature Sunshine Products, Spanish Forks, UT, who is assisting us in screening for high and low acetogenin fruit selections. Collaborators and contacts: KSU Collaborators. We have research collaborations with Drs. Mims, Tidwell, and Gomelsky in molecular genetics in various fish species and fresh water prawn germplasm. Collaborations with Companies: We have collaborated with Nolin River Nut Tree Nursery (Upton, KY), Four Seasons Nursery (Shelbyville, KY), Blossom Nursery (Eureka Springs, AR), and One Green World Nursery (Mollala, OR), who are interested in propagating and selling some KSU pawpaw selections. Training or professional development. Two undergraduate students completed research projects using DNA markers to examine pawpaw genetic diversity and if pawpaw patches were clonal. One MS student in aquaculture was mentored in DNA marker techniques for their research project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audiences. The needs of small family farms and limited resource farmers in Kentucky and the southeastern United States were addressed by this project by developing new niche fruit and nut crops for production in these regions. This project also impacts entrepreneurs, farmers markets, and other specialty fruit retailers. Kentucky and the southeast U.S. are continuing to make a transition from tobacco to new crops, therefore, pawpaw, blackberry, muscadine grapes, and hazelnuts, and the organic production of these crops, could provide high value crops for this region. This project could therefore significantly impact low-income minority farmers by providing new crop and market opportunities for these individuals. Efforts. There will be events including KSU farm field days, garden clubs, a community festival, Kentucky Nut Growers Association meetings, multiple tours of KSU orchards, and distribution of extension guides that will communicate information to farmers and the public about these fruit and nut crops. Pawpaw and blackberry taste trials will be conducted at field days which introduced growers to pawpaw and primocane fruiting blackberries. The KSU pawpaw website at: http://www.pawpaw.kysu.edu was updated and has had over 300,000 visitors since 2003. Two undergraduate students completed BIO 410 research projects on pawpaw. One MS student in aquaculture was mentored in DNA marker techniques for their research project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Change in knowledge. This is a new project that started in October, 2009. This proposal will develop both fundamental and applied knowledge for scientific and lay publications for organic and conventional production methods and techniques to grow new niche fruit and nut crops in Kentucky and the surrounding region. Field days and tours of field plots will provide demonstrations that will improve skills, increase knowledge, and improve decision-making ability of small and limited resource farmers. Based on the results of this study, recommendations for cultivar selection and conventional and organic production practices will be developed and distributed via print, presentations, field days, and the internet to farmers in Kentucky and beyond. Change in Action. Farmers in Kentucky and the surrounding region will plant new niche fruit and nut crops that, that when they come into production, can be sold via farmers markets, community supported agriculture, and restaurants. Organic production practices developed could positively impact public health and the environment by reducing pesticide use and enhancing agricultural biodiversity. Change in condition. The local production of pawpaw, primocane fruiting blackberry, and muscadine grape fruit and hazelnuts will lead to improved economic opportunities in the south eastern United States and promote the socio-economic stability of small farmers in this region. Production of blackberries, muscadine grapes, and hazelnuts in Kentucky will reduce our reliance on importation on these crops and will support local food production and local economies that cannot be interrupted internationally through acts of terrorism to stop shipping of food and produce. Organically produced blackberry fruit will promote economically viable, environmentally sound and socially responsible production practices that reduce synthetic chemical inputs and can protect human health and the environment.

Publications

  • Pomper, K. W., S.B. Crabtree, and J. Lowe. 2009. Enhancing Pawpaw Chip Budding Success and Scion Growth of Two Cultivars on Two Seedling Rootstocks in Greenhouse Container Production. Journal of the American Pomological Society 63:145-149.