Michael Polozola

Welcome to this special edition of Louisiana Agriculture magazine, where we delve into the LSU AgCenter's dedicated efforts to enhance and support fruit and pecan production across our great state. Our overarching goal is to successfully foster home fruit production and support the fruit and pecan industry in Louisiana. Through our research and extension programs, we aim to provide homeowners and commercial growers with the knowledge, resources and support needed to cultivate a diverse array of fruit crops. This edition highlights our commitment to these goals through various initiatives and success stories.

Our journey begins with the pecan industry, a cornerstone of Louisiana agriculture. The quest for superior low-input pecan cultivars has led to the identification of promising varieties like Manda and Woodman, which offer resilience and productivity with minimal maintenance. These efforts are crucial for ensuring the sustainability and economic viability of pecan production in Louisiana.

Next, we turn our attention to blackberries. The Trellised Production Using Primocane Suppression (TPUPS) technique is revolutionizing blackberry cultivation by simplifying harvesting and reducing disease pressure. This method shows promising results with cultivars like Kiowa and Ponca, paving the way for more efficient and sustainable blackberry farming.

Our exploration continues with strawberries, highlighting the search for the best strawberry varieties for home gardeners. Cultivars like Mara des Bois and Charlotte offer exceptional flavor and resilience, making them ideal for Louisiana's climate and providing gardeners with a rewarding experience.

The fig breeding program at the LSU AgCenter has a rich history. Since the 1950s, the program has developed fig cultivars suited for the Gulf South region, such as LSU Purple and LSU Gold. Recently, a donation of fig trees has enabled the establishment of a new planting at the AgCenter Dean Lee Research and Extension Center, further supporting fig cultivation in Louisiana.

We also celebrate the mayhaw, a native berry with a unique flavor and cultural heritage. The history and significance of mayhaws are highlighted along with the efforts of growers in developing superior cultivars. The renewed interest in mayhaws is driving growth in this niche industry, which is supported by initiatives to increase the availability of mayhaw trees.

Our agents also explore the historical records of apple cultivation in Louisiana and the potential reintroduction of heirloom Southern apple varieties. We are actively searching old homesteads for old varieties and grafting trees from them to offer better, tastier heirloom apple options for modern home orchards.

This edition also features a blueberry variety demonstration, which showcases the performance of different blueberry varieties in our climate. The demonstration provides valuable insights into yield data and ripening times, helping gardeners and farmers make informed decisions. Additionally, we touch on the renewed interest in pawpaws and the proactive management of strawberry diseases, reflecting our comprehensive approach to supporting diverse fruit crops in Louisiana.

As we celebrate the diversity and richness of Louisiana's fruit industry, I invite you to explore these articles and discover the innovative techniques, resilient cultivars and passionate individuals driving our state's agricultural success. Together, we can ensure a fruitful future for Louisiana by fostering home fruit production and supporting our vibrant fruit industry.

Michael Polozola, the AgCenter Extension fruit and nut specialist, is stationed at the AgCenter Dean Lee Research and Extension Center in Alexandria.

This article appears in the spring 2025 edition of Louisiana Agriculture.

Michael Polozola poses with a blackberry vine at the LSU AgCenter Dean Lee Research and Extension Center in Alexandria. Photo by Sara Shields