Carrington Research Extension Center Hosting Fruit Showcase

North Dakota State University’s Carrington Research Extension Center is hosting the Evening Fruit Production Showcase at 6 p.m. Sept. 11.

The event will focus on the center’s northern hardy fruit project. The project’s goal is to identify new fruits that are hardy in northern latitudes and desired in current or emerging fresh or processed food markets to help diversify the state’s agricultural economy.

Center researchers are studying plant cultivars that are adapted to North Dakota’s growing conditions, require minimal maintenance and possess few pest problems. The fruit crops they are studying include black, red and white currants; University of Saskatchewan tart cherries and haskaps (blue honeysuckle); Juneberries; aronia (chokeberry); elderberry; gooseberry; seaberry; apples; plums; and grapes. Researchers planted the cultivars in 2006 and 2007.

Bob and Tom Nowatzki of Langdon are the featured speakers for the showcase. They will discuss Juneberry production.

Tom Nowatzki and his brothers began market gardening in 1985. Their effort evolved and their father, Bob, runs it as Nowatzki Farm Produce. They raise Juneberries and have a you-pick operation 12 miles north of Langdon. They also raise other fruits and vegetables.

People attending the showcase should meet at the Carrington center’s main office. The center is 3.5 miles north of Carrington on U.S. Highway 281.

For more information about the showcase, contact Kathy Wiederholt, fruit project director, at (701) 652-2951.

NDSU Agriculture Communication