Persimmon cultivation in Afghanistan: from import to local production

Oriental persimmons (Diospyros kaki) are commercially cultivated in eastern and northern Afghanistan, while trees of Diospyros lotus naturally occur in the higher elevations of the eastern region.
Persimmon cultivation plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of farmers in these areas, providing a vital source of income to meet their daily expenses.
Despite increased local production, imported persimmons from neighboring countries continue to dominate the market.
Most persimmon trees are grown from local cultivars grafted onto D. lotus rootstock.
The National Fruit Germplasm Center preserves 25 persimmon cultivars.
Grafting and budding are popular methods for propagating persimmons.
However, currently, no specific regulations are imposed by the government regarding the production and sale of plant materials.
Typically, orchards are laid out using square and triangular systems, but it is observed that in most orchards, the trees are allowed to grow naturally, resulting in irregular and free-form shapes.
Afghan farmers conduct intercropping, tillage, irrigation, composting, and fertilizer application.
Alternate bearing and fruit drop are common issues in persimmon orchards, but there are no reports of significant damage caused by pests or diseases.
Persimmon orchards exist on a small scale as individual orchards covering less than one ha of land.
Depending on the orchard, an adult persimmon tree can yield up to 100 kg of fruits.
Interestingly, some local cultivars tested for the mineral content showed the highest levels of essential elements.
Although calcium carbide has long been used to ripen persimmons, fruit dealers have recently started using ethylene.
In some areas, the on-tree over ripening method is also gaining popularity among farmers.
The farmers sell the orchard fruits to local contractors who harvest and distribute them in the markets.
There is potential to educate Afghan farmers about proper cultural practices, value addition, and marketing of persimmon fruits.

IV Asian Horticultural Congress – AHC2023

Z. Hejazi, M.I. Sadat, T. Tetsumura

astringency, calcium carbide, ethylene ripening, mineral content, persimmon germplasm

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2024.1404.74