Fruit Research Station

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.

John Clark examines grapes at the Fruit station in Clarksville.

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 blueberries and on both bunch and muscadine grapes.

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.

University of Arkansas • Division of Agriculture
Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station
E108 AFLS Building
Fayetteville, AR 72701 • USA
Phone (479) 575-4446 • Fax (479) 575-7273

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