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Fruit Research Station
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The headquarters building at the Fruit Research Station was built in 2007. In the fall of 2009, it was named the Westbrook Building in honor of Cole J. Westbrook, the first resident director. He served as resident director from the start of the station in 1948 to 1976. First known as the Peach Substation, it was started near Lamar in cooperation with the Johnson County Peach Growers Association and Farm Bureau. It was moved in 1959 to the present location on scenic Red Lick Mountain. |
1749 State Hwy 818
Clarksville, AR 72830 (near Ludwig)
479-754-2406; Fax 479-754-7529
Dan Chapman, Resident Director: dlchapma@uark.edu
Driving directions:
Heading west on I-40, take Exit 64,
the Lamar exit. Go right on Hwy. 64 West toward Lamar and
Clarksville. Go through Lamar to the city limits of
Clarksville to the junction of Hwy. 21. Right before one gets to this
junction, there is a green "U.A. DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE
FRUIT RESEARCH STA." sign pointing to the right onto Hwy.
21. Take a right onto Hwy. 21 and head north. Follow it
about three miles to Hwy. 292 (Hunter's Junction on the right)
(another green sign) and take a right. Proceed approximately
1.5 miles to Hwy. 818 (another green sign) and turn left heading
north. The Station is another 1.5 miles on the right.
Heading east on I-40, take Exit 58,
the third Clarksville exit. Cross over the Interstate towards
town and stay on Rodgers Street through four traffic lights.
At the 4th light (Main Street/Hwy. 64) take a right and head
east. Follow this road to the junction with Hwy. 21. Just
before getting to this junction there will be a green sign for
"U.A. DIVISION OF AGRICULTURE FRUIT RESEARCH
STA." pointing towards the Fruit station. Take a left
onto Hwy. 21 and head north. Follow it for approximately
three miles to Hwy. 292 (Hunter's Junction on the right) (another
green sign) and take a right. Proceed approximately 1.5 miles
to Hwy. 818 (another green sign) and turn left heading north. The
Station is another 1.5 miles on the right.
Mission
The mission of the Fruit Research Station
is to carry out project activities of the research faculty from the
Fayetteville campus. The station provides a site for research on a
number of fruit crops due to its location within a unique
microclimate. The range of research which this allows is
exemplified by simultaneous studies on both rabbiteye and highbush
The station provides information to the public
through consultations with prospective or current growers, filling
requests for information on production of fruit crops and hosting
field days and grower meetings. Research covers peaches, apples,
nectarines, grapes, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and
pecans.
The station's facilities include a new
office/laboratory building for seed and pollen extraction, fruit
sample measurements and data recording. The station maintains two
greenhouses for seedling growth and production and a shadehouse for
plant growth and propagation. It also has a modern pesticide and
fertilizer storage building, a shop and equipment storage shed and
three cold storage rooms. Research is directed by project leaders
located at Fayetteville and managed locally by a Resident Director.
A Research Specialist and support staff are also housed at the Fruit Research Station.
Research Projects and
Investigators
Principal research on the station is conducted by
the following:
John R. Clark (Ph.D., University of Arkansas),
Professor. Teaching culture and production of small fruits.
Research in breeding, physiology and culture of small fruits and
grapes.
General Areas of Interest -- Plant improvement
through classical plant breeding methods is of primary interest
both in teaching and research. Additionally, incorporation of
molecular technologies in a classic plant breeding program is
underway.
Specific Areas of Research -- Cultivar development
of blackberry, blueberry, grape, peach and nectarine are specific
areas of interest in current research activities. Additionally, the
development of breeding methodology and germplasm enhancement of
these crops is a component of this program.
Research Projects --
Breeding small fruits and grapes; Breeding tree fruits
Curt R. Rom (Ph.D., The Ohio State University),
Professor. Teaching in pomology, horticulture and plant science.
Research in tree fruit physiology, culture and management, and
cooperation in tree fruit breeding.
Donn Johnson (Ph.D., Michigan State University),
Professor. Fruit and Rice Entomology At the Clarksville location:
Pheromone testing and insect trapping.
Maria Elena Garcia. (Ph.D., University of Arkansas).
Associate Professor. Extension Fruit Specialist. Research in fruit
establishment and management; sustainable and organic horticulture.
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