Stephen F. Austin State University’s SFA Gardens will host a fruit research field day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 29 featuring kiwifruit, muscadine grapes, blueberries, figs, feijoas and other fruits. Pictured here are muscadine grapes from the SFA Gardens Jimmy Hinds park.
Speakers will include Dr. David Creech, director of SFA Gardens; and Dr. Tim Hartmann and Dr. Justin Scheiner, both faculty members in Texas A&M University’s Department of Horticultural Sciences.
“While east Texas has suffered through several climate challenges in the last few years, the region has many comparative advantages for the fruit grower,” Creech said. “Low-cost land, easy access to high-quality water sources, big nearby population centers, and more folks interested in growing their own fruit all point to promise in the years ahead.”
The day will start at 9 a.m. with presentations at the Brundrett Conservation Education Building in the Pineywoods Native Plant Center, located at 2900 Raguet St. There will be a break for attendees to leave for lunch. After the break, participants will then go to the fruit research plots at SFA Gardens around 1 p.m.
The cost of the field day is $15 per person. Register on-site the day of the event or in advance online at sfasu.edu/sfagardens.
For more information, email sfagardens@sfasu.edu.
