North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["Richard Moyer" <ramoyer@gmail.com>]

Bass,

Pomona had 1-2 articles recently on kaki culture in Maryland.  I think by Bill Preston.  He spoke at a recent NAFEX annual meeting. 

Bill's credentials with this fruit are highlighted here:

http://www.americanfarm.com/TopStory10.23.07b.html

Jim Shanks, Emeritus at U of MD, wrote an extension publication summarizing decades of observations on this fruit, Preston volunteered (carried?) this project for years.  This publication is still available through Mike Newell, at the Wye Research and Extension Center.  Contact him at 410-827-7388.  They've had most commercial success with kakis in Eastern Maryland, but they also evaluated trees in Western Maryland.  The survivors at the site in Western Maryland may be best for you in PA, as they made it through several winters with subzero temps.  The cultivars and the minimum temps they survived (while fully dormant) are in the publication.  Judging from my previous conversations with him, Preston would be glad to advise you.

 

Also, Mike McConkey in Afton, VA (www.ediblelandscaping.com) has extensive experience cropping kakis, as do some of his customers. Mike can comment on cultivars best for your area; Q&A such as this are often archived at his website above.  Mike notes that hard spring freezes, such as Easter 2007, can take out kakis that survive minus 10 while fully dormant in their native Asia.

 

Please contact me offlist if you have trouble finding the above info or sources.

 

Richard Moyer

NE TN/SW VA