Articles
CULTIVATION OF PERSIMMON (DIOSPYROS KAKI L.) UNDER TROPICAL CONDITIONS
Article number
409_17
Pages
141 – 150
Language
Abstract
Persimmon is a deciduous fruit tree which is predominantly cultivated in sub-tropical and warm temperate regions.
Opportunities exist for expanding the production area of persimmon into tropical regions to meet domestic demand for fruit and for the establishment of export oriented production.
Literature on the cultivation of persimmon under tropical conditions is limited and opinions differ on the suitability of this crop in the tropics.
Successful adaptation of this crop to tropical conditions is dependent on an understanding of its eco-physiology.
It has a relatively low winter chilling requirement in comparison with other deciduous fruit crops.
The tree tends to have a higher tolerance to heat, water stress and water logging than other deciduous fruit crops.
However, productivity and fruit quality are particularly sensitive to environmental stress.
Productivity is limited by a low carbohydrate status over critical phenological stages.
Environmental factors that influence carbon assimilation under tropical conditions can include water stress, night time respiration, low irradiance due to cloud cover and a reduction in leaf area from typhoon or hurricane damage.
There are, however management techniques that can be used to overcome particular environmental limitations to persimmon cultivation under tropical conditions.
These include the use of wind breaks and trellising to reduce wind damage; irrigation and plastic covers to control water; and pruning to reduce canopy shading.
Pollination can improve carbon partitioning within the tree and plant growth regulators can be used to influence dormancy, tree vigour and fruit quality.
Opportunities exist for expanding the production area of persimmon into tropical regions to meet domestic demand for fruit and for the establishment of export oriented production.
Literature on the cultivation of persimmon under tropical conditions is limited and opinions differ on the suitability of this crop in the tropics.
Successful adaptation of this crop to tropical conditions is dependent on an understanding of its eco-physiology.
It has a relatively low winter chilling requirement in comparison with other deciduous fruit crops.
The tree tends to have a higher tolerance to heat, water stress and water logging than other deciduous fruit crops.
However, productivity and fruit quality are particularly sensitive to environmental stress.
Productivity is limited by a low carbohydrate status over critical phenological stages.
Environmental factors that influence carbon assimilation under tropical conditions can include water stress, night time respiration, low irradiance due to cloud cover and a reduction in leaf area from typhoon or hurricane damage.
There are, however management techniques that can be used to overcome particular environmental limitations to persimmon cultivation under tropical conditions.
These include the use of wind breaks and trellising to reduce wind damage; irrigation and plastic covers to control water; and pruning to reduce canopy shading.
Pollination can improve carbon partitioning within the tree and plant growth regulators can be used to influence dormancy, tree vigour and fruit quality.
Publication
Authors
A. D. Mowat, Ray J. Collins, Alan P. George
Keywords
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