Propagation and Rootstock of Persimmon

Propagation and Rootstock

          Propagation is done by grafting the scion on seedling rootstocks, using the whip-graft for smaller diameter stocks and the cleft and veneer grafting on the larger stock. It is better to replant with young stock rather than top-work old trees. In India, Diospyros lotus is used as the rootstock. The fruits of D. lotus ripen during late-October. On ripening, the fruits become soft and should be pulped and fermented for about a week. After all the flesh is fermented from the seed, the seeds are washed thoroughly and the floaters are discarded. Improved germination of D. kaki, D. lotus and D. virginiana seeds has been reported after stratification for 60–90 days. In Australia, seed germination of D. kalvi has been reported to be high when extracted from soft but non-decomposed fruit, and planted immediately and no stratification is necessary. The best seed germination is obtained at 28°C. The seeds at this temperature take about 2–3 weeks to germinate. Young seedlings usually take a year to be of a suitable size for grafting.

           Scion cultivars can either be grafted or budded with a success rate of 80%. 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%. Green grafting in summer has also been successful in New Zealand. Timing of vegetative propagation varies with location and climate. T-budding is suitable, provided the buds are taken from mature wood. Budding may be carried out in spring or early-autumn.

           Three rootstock species have been used for propagation of Japanese persimmon. These are D. kaki, D. lotus and D. virginiana. There appear to be some incompatiablity problems between D. lotus and some pollination constant non-astringent cultivars, such as Fuyu. The D. lotus also appears more susceptible to crown gall. The D. virginiana is used as rootstock for Japanese persimmon in Israel and USA. It is particularly well adapted to damp heavy soils and very cold hardy conditions. However, D. virginiana often suckers badly and trees on this rootstocks are not always uniform in size and vigour. It is also highly susceptible to cephalosporium wilt. For these reasons, D. kaki is preferred to D. lotus and D. Virginiana as rootstock for persimmon. In Japan, Saijo produces very uniform seedlings and is extensively used as rootstock.