The Fifth International Pawpaw Conference was held at Kentucky State University’s Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm in Frankfort, September 9–11, 2025. More than 200 researchers, growers, and producers from around the world gathered to share advances in cultivation, breeding, and commercialization of pawpaw (Asimina triloba), the largest edible fruit native to the United States.

The conference drew participants from across North America, Europe, and Asia, underscoring the global reach of Kentucky State’s pawpaw research program. Since 1994, the University has served as the USDA National Clonal Germplasm Repository for pawpaw and remains home to the world’s only full-time pawpaw research program.

The highlight of Wednesday’s activities came at the end of the day, when a press conference combined academic breakthroughs with Kentucky heritage brands. Dr. Siddhartha Dasgupta, Associate Research Director for the Land Grant Program and Professor of Aquaculture, announced the release of two new pawpaw cultivars: KSU-Dunnigan and KSU-Pomper’s Choice.

KSU-Dunnigan honors Alice Allison Dunnigan, a Kentucky State alumna whose pioneering career broke barriers in journalism and civil rights. Dunnigan graduated from the segregated Knob City High School in Russellville in 1923 and attended what is now Kentucky State University, where she completed a teachers’ course. She went on to an 18-year teaching career while writing for Louisville newspapers, including the Louisville Defender. Later, in Washington, D.C., she became the first African American woman to receive White House press credentials and the first Black woman admitted to the press galleries of both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. In 2018, a bronze statue in her honor was unveiled in her hometown of Russellville.

KSU-Pomper’s Choice recognizes Dr. Kirk W. Pomper, Professor of Horticulture at Kentucky State University, who has led the pawpaw program for more than 25 years. Under his leadership, cultivars developed at Kentucky State are now grown across the United States and internationally in Germany, France, Belgium, and Slovenia. Just this summer, Pomper was named a Fellow of the American Society for Horticultural Science, one of the profession’s highest honors. He has secured more than $10 million in competitive research funding and published over 90 peer-reviewed scientific articles.

“These new cultivars represent the very best of Kentucky State University’s land-grant mission: advancing agriculture, honoring heritage, and opening doors for new economic opportunity,” Dr. Dasgupta said.

The press conference also featured Daphne Phipps of Ale-8-One and Allison Motley-Purcell of Whiskey Thief Distilling Co., who shared insights into their recent pawpaw collaborations. 

Phipps shared that Ale-8’s limited-edition Pawpaw Ale-8 proved a runaway success, surpassing all previous special summer flavor offerings — including blackberry, cherry, peach, and strawmelon — and exceeding the company’s previous high sales by 48 percent in just the first six weeks of distribution.

A vendor fair after the press conference allowed attendees to sample a variety pawpaw-inspired products, including Pawpaw Ale-8, cocktails made with Whiskey Thief pawpaw brandy, and offerings from Rising Sons Winery, Sig Luscher Brewery, Pure Joy Ice Cream, and regional nurseries.

“The Fifth International Pawpaw Conference illustrates how Kentucky State University connects local innovation to global impact,” said Dr. Marcus Bernard, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources and Director of the Land Grant Program. “Through research, collaboration, and creativity, we are advancing agriculture, expanding economic opportunities, and demonstrating the worldwide relevance of our land-grant mission.”

With new cultivars, innovative collaborations, and international research partnerships, the Fifth International Pawpaw Conference affirmed Kentucky State University’s leadership in shaping the future of pawpaw while strengthening its role as a land-grant institution serving both Kentucky and the world.