Temprate Fruits (1+1)

ROOTSTOCKS AND PROPAGATION

Rootstock

• D. kaki, D. lotus and D. virginiana are used as a rootstocks for persimmon
• In India, Diospyros lotus is used as the rootstock.
• The D. virginiana is used as rootstock for Japanese persimmon in Israel and USA.
• The seeds are extracted from fully ripened fruits during late-October.
• The stratification of seeds for 60-90 days improved seed germination.
• The stratified seeds are sown in the nursery beds.
• The best seed germination is obtained at 280C. The seeds at this temperature take about 2-3 weeks to germinate.
• Young seedlings usually take a year to be of suitable size for grafting.

Propagation

• Propagation is done by grafting the scion on seedling rootstocks, using the tongue graft for smaller diameter stocks and the cleft and veneer grafting on the larger stock.
• Veneer grafting is generally more successful than budding and should be carried out in September with the start of sap movement.
• Tongue grafting is also done with a success rate of 60-65%. .

Planting and planting density:

• In India, winter planting during January-February is recommended when trees are dormant. Planting after bud sprout generally results in poor survival.
• The trees are planted at a distance 5.5-6.0m.
• The pits of 1m x 1 x 1m are dug. Well rotten farmyard manure is mixed while filling the pits in the same manner used for other deciduous trees.
• At the time of planting the bud union should be kept 75 mm above the ground level.
• The planting density for persimmon depends on cultivar, rootstock and soil type. Dwarfing cultivars ( Jiro) can be closely planted at 5m x 2.5m (800 trees/ha), semi-dwarf cultivars Fuyu at 5m x 3m (660 trees/ha) and vigorous cultivars at 6mx 4.5m (370 trees/ha).