Plants, People, Science

Dr. Kirk Pomper, a Professor of Horticulture at Kentucky State University, is an expert on the pawpaw. He takes us on a journey through the lush history and remarkable qualities of this native North American fruit. With its unique tropical notes the pawpaw stands out as both a horticultural gem and a culinary curiosity.

Together, we unravel the complexities of cultivating pawpaws, exploring everything from grafting techniques to the challenges of pollination. Learn how these trees rely on less-than-common pollinators like flies and beetles, and the surprising tricks enthusiasts use to attract them. Dr. Pomper shares insights into breeding strategies aimed at overcoming obstacles like disease and perishability, all while striving to enhance yield and fruit quality. It's a fascinating look at how innovation and passion intersect in the world of plant science.

Finally, we glimpse into the future of pawpaw commercialization, as breeders work tirelessly to refine this fruit for broader appeal and distribution. From improving storage methods to refining sweetness and flavor, the path to making pawpaws a household name is filled with excitement and opportunity. As consumer interest in local and exotic foods grows, the pawpaw might just find its place in gardens and kitchens across America. Join us for a lively conversation bridging the past, present, and potential future of this captivating fruit!

To learn more, read the article "Comparison of Grafting and Budding Propagation Techniques for Cultivars of the North American Pawpaw" published in HortTechnology https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH05463-24.

Visit the Kentucky State University Pawpaw Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ksu.pawpaw.

View "All ABout Pawpaws" at https://youtu.be/VCU4yktHvik?si=RFXMaS6e8DeQa2tV.

Learn more about the American Society for Horticultural Science (ASHS) at https://ashs.org/.
HortTechnology, HortScience and the Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science are all open-access and peer-reviewed journals, published by the American Society of Horticultural Science (ASHS). Find them at journals.ashs.org.

Consider becoming an ASHS member at https://ashs.org/page/Becomeamember!

You can also find the official webpage for Plants, People, Science at ashs.org/plantspeoplesciencepodcast, and we encourage you to send us feedback or suggestions at https://ashs.org/webinarpodcastsuggestion.

Podcast transcripts are available at https://plantspeoplescience.buzzsprout.com.

On LinkedIn find Sam Humphrey at linkedin.com/in/samson-humphrey. Curt Rom is at https://www.linkedin.com/in/curt-rom-611085134/. Lena Wilson is at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-wilson-2531a5141/.

Thank you for listening!

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