and depth that will kill harmful fungi, bacteria, nematodes, weeds, and certain insects in the soil. Solarization can be effective in areas such as Kentucky with many sunny days and high temperatures, but it is not effective where lower temperatures, clouds, or fog limit soil heating. Another option to eliminate weeds in fields before they are used in organic production is the use of repeated cultivation and cover crops. More information on this approach can be found at the Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA) web site at http://www.attra.org.

Planting stock. According to the NOP standards, nonorganically produced planting stock is considered organic after it has been maintained under a system of organic management for a year. It usually takes about 4 years for grafted pawpaw trees to produce fruit. We presently recommend that trees be planted at a spacing of 8 feet within rows and 12 to 18 feet between rows. For the first two years, top growth is slow as the root system establishes itself, but thereafter it accelerates substantially given proper fertility and soil moisture. Shading of small pawpaw trees in the field the first year is recommended and can be accomplished by installing translucent double-walled polyethylene “tree-tubes” around each tree, securing them with bamboo stakes. However, trees taller than 45 cm at planting do not require shading. During warm summer temperatures (>35°C), the tubes should be removed from the trees, otherwise foliage within tubes can became heat-stressed and desiccated.

year is recommended and can be accomplished by installing translucent double-walled polyethylene “tree-tubes” around each tree, securing them with bamboo stakes. However, trees taller than 45 cm at planting do not require shading. During warm summer temperatures (>35°C), the tubes should be removed from the trees, otherwise foliage within tubes can became heat-stressed and desiccated.

Weed control. Weeds and grasses can easily out-compete pawpaw trees for resources. Weed control is especially important during the first years of tree establishment and continues to be important after this period; this will optimize fruit production from mature trees. There are a number of organic weed control approaches within rows around trees that are options for a pawpaw planting. In organic farming, it is important to try to take a holistic cultural approach. The goal is not just control weeds, but to improve the soil organic content. Cultivation around trees from the drip line to the trunk can be used to control weeds; however, cultivation must be shallow (< 4 inches) to avoid damaging roots. The Weed Badger is an excellent tractor attachment for weed control (www.weedbadger.com).