Protecting the Netted Pawpaw: The Critical Role of Ex Situ Conservation in a Changing Climate, USA

In partnership with: The United States Botanic Garden and BGCI-US via North American Fruit and Nut Tree Crop Wild Relative (NAFANT CWR)

Project Partner: Naples Botanical Garden (NBG)
Project Status: Completed 2023 

Introduction
This initiative focused on the conservation of netted pawpaw (Asimina reticulata), a crop wild relative of the common pawpaw (Asimina triloba), reported at a single ex situ site globally.

Project goals
The primary goal of this project was to establish a meta collection of Asimina reticulata through field collection and the establishment of secure living collections.  

Species Targeted
Asimina reticulata

Key Achievements
During the course of the five year conservation project focused on Asimina reticulata, three major hurricanes threatened the only known ex situ collection of the species, highlighting the importance of backing up collections across institutions.

Through targeted habitat management, the in situ population of Asimina reticulata increased from 40 to 300 individuals, following the implementation of prescribed burns. These efforts also attracted the species’ primary pollinator to the site for the first time, leading to a notable increase in fruit production. To enhance broader conservation impact, NBG shared its successful management plan with partner organizations, promoting collaborative in situ conservation practices. Additionally, 356 seeds harvested from 80 fruits were distributed to four ex situ sites, significantly improving the security of this species in living collections.

This project achieved critical milestones in the conservation of Asimina reticulata, demonstrating the effectiveness of strategic habitat management and collaboration. By strengthening both in situ and ex situ conservation measures, this initiative ensures a more sustainable future for this valuable species.

This project is part of the North American Fruit and Nut Tree (NAFANT) Crop Wild Relative (CWR) Conservation Partnerships a collaboration between BGCI-US and USBG.