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nafex - Re: [NAFEX] paw paws

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  • From: Dan Sorensen <dan.phantom@westpa.net>
  • To: nafex@lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: Re: [NAFEX] paw paws
  • Date: Sun, 19 May 2002 08:44:20 -0400

No, I wouldn't ever say that. But when I was at the International Pawpaw conference last fall I was struck by the difference in growth I saw between the seedlings I'd been growing and the growth I saw on the seedlings there and in the slide presentations. When I mentioned it to Kirk Pomper he suggested I talk to Mario Mandujano from Michigan State, who was also at the conference. I did and he told me about his study of growth related to soil pH. It showed that they require a pH below 5.6 and are best below 5.0. Above that range they may grow, but will show curling leaves and the tips and edges will burn. Above 6.5 they simply stop growing altogether. So where does the sulphur come in? I tried to simplify it and said to him, "So I just need to get the pH down like for blueberries, right?" He said it wasn't quite that simple. He said pawpaws seem to have a special need for sulphur and I should be sure to use sulphur to lower the pH to the correct range. If you have soil that already has a high sulphur content, you probably wouldn't need to add it. I suspect soil with that much sulphur will already be below 5.6. On the other hand, just because the pH is below 5.6 doesn't necessarily mean there's enough sulphur. A good soil test would probably reveal the true situation. So that's what I know. If you have any other questions I would suggest you try to contact Mario at Michigan State's Department of Botany and Plant Pathology. And, if you're interested in Pawpaws, be sure to go to the next pawpaw conference in two or three years. You won't regret it.

Dan

At 21:17 5/12/2002 -0500, you wrote:

so Dan are you saying that putting sulphur around all paw paws will help
them... I didnt use any soil amendments for the seedling paw paws I planted
either. how much do you suppose you would top dress a seedling with?

mIEKAL

well I have to say after all the experienced replies this week I'll reserve my
excitement for a few years till after I see what happens with the trees.

Dan Sorensen Visit my Experimental Gardening Website at:
RD2 Box 57 http://www.phantomlake.net
Russell, PA 16345 Northwestern Pennsylvania USDA Zone 5
dan.phantom@westpa.net Penn State Master Gardener & Ham Radio- WB8VEF
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