There's a fruit native to New York that many have never tasted, yet it holds a lot of promise for market growth. In this episode of 'Extension Out Loud,' host Paul Treadwell sits down with Anya Stansell, Cornell Cooperative Extension's (CCE) western New York small fruits extension specialist, to explore the pawpaw: a tree fruit with an unusual flavor and a history much older and more layered than most people realize.

Stansell says pawpaws don't taste quite like anything else grown in our region. "They have absolutely no acid, and they're super sweet," she says, describing a flavor profile that's often compared to a cross between mango and banana. The flesh can range from white to yellow, with subtle differences in bitterness and aroma depending on genetics, growing conditions, and sun exposure.

That distinctiveness extends beyond flavor. Pawpaw trees produce broad, dramatic leaves that turn a buttery yellow in autumn, and they serve as a host plant for zebra swallowtail caterpillars, making them valuable not just for eating, but for supporting local ecosystems.

Perhaps most striking is the history behind why pawpaws grow in New York at all. Many of the pawpaw groves found today trace back to Indigenous peoples, who carried pawpaw seeds along trade routes and cultivated them deliberately.

If pawpaws are so remarkable, why haven't most of us tried one? The answer lies in the fruit's fragility. "They're kind of like peaches," Stansell explains, "in that they're very delicate when they're ripe." Unlike peaches, though, eating unripe pawpaws can cause real illness, meaning they must be sold at exactly the right moment of ripeness, a narrow window that makes large-scale distribution nearly impossible.

More than just a culinary curiosity, the pawpaw offers a window into New York's ecological history, Indigenous knowledge, and the limits of industrial food systems. It's a fruit that asks for patience and rewards those willing to seek it out.

Planning to spend time on the water this summer? Before you launch, tune in to this episode of 'Extension Out Loud' featuring Megan Cochran, Great Lakes Outreach Coordinator with New York Sea Grant.

In this episode, we discuss key steps to take before you head out, including completing a boating safety course (required in New York for all motorized vessel operators starting January 2025), wearing a life jacket, monitoring the weather and filing a float plan.

The conversation also explores one of the leading factors in fatal boating accidents—alcohol use—and offers guidance on choosing and wearing today's more comfortable life jackets, including inflatable options.

For kayakers, canoeists, and paddleboarders, Cochran highlights added safety considerations such as visibility, carrying a whistle as a sound-signaling device and using navigation lights in low-light conditions.

Links:

NY Sea Grant Safe Boating

NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation boating safety

US Coast Guard Boating Safety

As seed catalogs arrive and garden planning season begins, tomato enthusiasts face an exciting, and potentially overwhelming array of choices. In this episode of 'Extension Out Loud,' Greg Vogel, Assistant Professor at Cornell's School of Integrative Plant Science, guides listeners through the complex world of tomato variety selection, drawing from his cutting-edge research and extensive field experience.

During this episode Vogel discusses:

• · the differences between determinate and indeterminate tomato varieties,
• · how local climate affects variety performance, and proper pruning techniques for maximum yield,
• · breeding methods comparing traditional backyard techniques with modern laboratory approaches.

Whether you're a novice gardener overwhelmed by catalog choices or an experienced grower seeking to optimize your tomato selection, this episode provides the scientific foundation and practical wisdom needed to make informed decisions for a successful growing season.

Listen now to transform your tomato growing experience with insights from one of Cornell's leading vegetable breeding researchers.

For more resources to help you select varieties for your garden visit the Cornell Garden Based Learning web site. For questions related to planning, and growing your garden, contact your local Cornell Cooperative Extension office.

In this episode of Extension Out Loud, Cornell Cooperative Extension specialist Crystal Stewart Courtens shares her journey from Extension newcomer to regional garlic specialist. Crystal discusses her farmer-centered approach to agricultural science, the challenges of researching a crop that rarely produces viable seeds, and how mentors taught her that excellent Extension work requires both scientific rigor and authentic human connection.

In this episode of Extension Out Loud, Mario Miranda Sazo, fruit extension specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension's (CCE) Lake Ontario Fruit Program, shares how advanced technology and agricultural techniques are revolutionizing apple orchards.

The digitalization of orchard management is transforming farming practices. Advanced drone technology now enables farmers to create precise blossom density maps. These maps provide crucial data on bloom levels, helping growers identify which trees are flourishing and which need additional care.

By leveraging drones, precision crop management, and advanced grafting techniques, CCE specialists and Cornell researchers are helping New York's apple industry improve yields, enhance fruit quality, and promote orchard sustainability.

In a rapidly evolving world, strengthening connections between the work done in Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) program areas across the state and the related research conducted at Cornell University has never been more crucial.

This episode of Extension Out Loud is the first in a series introducing the purpose and potential impact of Critical Issue Leads. As defined by Andy Turner, director of CCE and associate dean in both the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences and Cornell Human Ecology, these campus appointments will function as central leaders and liaisons, cultivating guidance and vision while connecting diverse program areas.

Featured in this episode is David Kay, senior extension associate in the Department of Global Development and newly appointed Critical Issue Lead for Sustainable Energy and Climate Change at Cornell Cooperative Extension. Kay highlights the contributions of CCE in addressing climate challenges, and the importance of dialogue-driven approaches to foster understanding and action.

Across multiple departments and over 45 years at Cornell, Kay's research and outreach focus on energy efficiency, sustainability, and innovative strategies that integrate climate action with education. In addition to his work on campus, Kay chairs the City of Ithaca's Sustainability and Climate Justice Commission and the National Extension Climate Initiative.

A cornerstone of Kay's approach is effective communication. He believes that while the science of climate change is robust, real engagement comes from understanding community priorities and equipping people with knowledge to make informed decisions. By embedding climate change insights into diverse educational disciplines—ranging from agriculture to nutrition—CCE underscores its relevance across societal sectors.

"If I want to be a good educator and communicate with someone, I'm going to find out what they care about the most and figure out what resources can I bring to the table that would help them make informed decisions." - David Kay

Programs like agrivoltaics, which integrate solar energy with agriculture, highlight the collaborative potential of research and community-based education. These initiatives bridge the gap between campus innovation and local application, reinforcing CCE's mission to empower communities. Looking ahead, Kay envisions expanding such programs to strengthen positive collaboration between research, education, and local engagement.

Kay's vision highlights the importance of informed, community-centric strategies in addressing the multifaceted challenges of climate change. According to Kay combining research, dialogue, and education, will ensure that CCE continues to drive impactful change, fostering resilient and empowered communities in the face of climate challenges.

The Joro spider, an arachnid that's been in the United States for years in some southern states, has been trending in the news lately as the next potentially invasive species to land in New York State. Some media hypes giant, venomous, flying spiders, but how concerned should we really be here in New York about their potential arrival?

To address these questions Alejandro Calixto, Director of the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program at Cornell University joins this episode of Cornell Cooperative Extension's 'Extension Out Loud' podcast. Calixto discusses the myths surrounding the Joro spider and the impacts of a changing climate on the spread of invasives. While large and venomous like many spiders, the Joro spider does not pose a direct threat to humans.

"Every spider has venom, but their venom is primarily for capturing prey and defense, not for attacking humans," said Calixto.

One common misconception Calixto addresses is the idea of Joro spiders flying into homes or attacking pets. While they can disperse using a technique called ballooning—where they release silk strands to catch the wind and travel—they do not have wings or parachutes and are not aggressive towards humans or pets.

Calixto highlights concerns about the Joro spider potentially outcompeting native species like the golden silk weaver in habitats where they overlap. However, their slow dispersal rate means any effects would likely be gradual and localized.

Focusing on more immediate concerns for New Yorkers, Calixto mentions the rise of pests like the spotted lanternfly and the increased activity of ticks due to milder winters. These changes underscore the importance of vigilance and proactive pest management strategies to mitigate potential impacts on agriculture and public health.

To learn more about the Joro Spider and other invasive pests in New York State visit the NYS Integrated Pest Management website.