They may not be 'dead', but you may have lost the grafted variety. I've had established seedlings and established graftlings do the same thing - they rock along seemingly just fine for a couple or three years, then die back to the ground - and start throwing up new shoots. I have no explanation for why it happens, it just does.

Maybe ask Peterson. (Maybe (???) he'll replace them.) Or at least explain it?

If you do, please let us know what he says!

Ann

Thanks for the information Lucky, thats what I thought might be the case. I will wait and see if I get any runners from teh plants. I have not seen any yet but will wait and see. My brother in Topeka, KS is having a similar problem with the leaves blackening and dying with whole branches dying. But he has portions of the trees that are doing just fine with fruit set. His are seedling trees.

I guess I will just have to get them again, although Peterson Paw Paws is probably no longer in existence. I will try to find them elsewhere.

Ann, I doubt Peterson will replace them, I hear he has some health issues and his website is currently down.

Paw Paws can get black knot which can kill whole branches.

Petersons website is up...seems like he's OK, FYI. Just his supply for next year is not known yet.

Thanks for the update on Peterson, I hope I can get more of them next year.