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Attracting Pacific Northwest Pawpaw (Asimina Triloba) Pollinators Through Dual-Use Production Management

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  • Pawpaw is the largest indigenous fruit in North America, native to Ontario, Canada and 26 midwestern and eastern states, yet its high value as a niche crop has been met with limited cultivation in Oregon, Washington, northern California, Idaho, and western Montana (Jones & Layne, n.d.). Cultivation of Pacific Northwest pawpaw is irrefutably a missed commercial opportunity: trees are highly adaptable to climate change; fruits are pleasing to look at; fruit, tissues, and compounds provide many nutritional benefits; and trees are a selling point for lawn owners transitioning to edible landscapes (Layne, 1995). Nutritionally, its profile is higher than many alternative fruits, and its distinct smell and taste, as well as chemical compounds, have given it clout in the food processing, cosmetic, pure ‘pesticide,’ and health industries (Layne, 1995). The custard-like fruit, zested with banana, mango, and pineapple flavors, has been stunted in its familiarity by perishability and the pollinator-detracting climate of the Pacific Northwest (Layne, 1995). Pawpaw’s maroon flowers are pollinated by beetles and flies, and cold and incessantly rainy winters have necessitated creativity by many Pacific Northwest farmers, who hang roadkill and rotting fish to attract pollinators. While the climate is otherwise ideal for pawpaw, which thrives in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) zones 5-8 and can survive in USDA zones 4-9, pollinating strategies are vital to staving off inefficient hand pollination and avoiding the foul practice of staking deceased beings contiguous to and interspersed throughout orchards (Jones & Layne, n.d.). Preceding this project, regionally pertinent research and reports on pawpaw growth and pollination strategies are entirely absent for the Pacific Northwest. To address regional pawpaw growers, our investigation seeks to mitigate pollination challenges through socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable approaches. Dual-use production management strategies will be in direct attention by securing pawpaw cultivars and pollinator plants, including crab apple trees for intercropping and magnolias, goldenrods, sunflowers, and lavender globe lilies for the fresh cut flower market. Cost efficiency, sustainable management, and dual-purpose agriculture will drive economic growth and ecological harmony. Pawpaw cultivars, apple trees, and floral attractors will be analyzed at sites in Woodburn and Aurora, OR, both USDA hardiness zones 8b, and Parma, ID, zone 6b. Distinct from Oregon State University and University of Idaho Extension and Research sites, farmers in Oregon, Washington, northern California, Idaho and western Montana will monitor changes to total yield and inflorescence growth between traditional carcass attraction, dual-production management, and fields lacking additional engagements for pollinators. Two-year seedlings of eight cultivars, including Taylor, Mary Foos Johnson, Sunflower, Sweet Alice, Prolific, Rebecca’s Gold, Allegheny, and Potomac, will be shipped from North American farms to Pacific Northwest Research and Extension and collaboration stations and promptly planted at respective sites. Orchard cultivators, plant hobbyists, the agricultural industry, and the public will be informed of research results via social media, webinars, in-person events, and other online and physical publications and presentations. All information will be disseminated by Oregon State University and University of Idaho Research and Extension agents in collaboration with pawpaw growers.
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  • Pacific Northwest Pawpaw Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Grant
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