Louisiana and the southeastern United States has an abundance of native plants that have potential for ornamental and fruit crop use. One of these that LSU AgCenter personnel have been investigating in recent years is the pawpaw.
Pawpaw (scientific name of Asimina triloba) is a small understory tree native to the southeastern United States. It grows 15 to 30 feet tall and has a loose and open growth habit. Its unusual fruit has long been harvested from native populations and consumed fresh or processed by local consumers.
The Pawpaw Regional Variety Trial, initiated in 1995, involved 28 cultivars and seedling selections planted at locations throughout the Southeast. The trial is intended to evaluate selections and cropping methods for commercial fruit production. In Louisiana, this study was established at the Burden Center in Baton Rouge and included named selections as well as additional seedlings collected in Arkansas and Louisiana.
Fruit size, soluble solids content and post harvest physiology are variables being examined to evaluate market appeal. Traditional cropping methods have proved challenging because understory tree selections adapt to full sun conditions in the orchard.
Pawpaws grown under orchard conditions have distinct morphological differences compared to trees grown in native habitats. Trees appear more compact with a dense canopy and distinct form.
From the original planting, several seedlings have been selected that have very desirable ornamental characteristics. Plant form, growth rate and disease resistance were recognized for selection. Future plans include grafting selections to seedling rootstock to evaluate in container production and later landscape establishment and culture trials.
We may have some ornamental pawpaws for Louisiana landscapes in the future.