[NAFEX] persimmon fertilization

Alan . yarrylo at hotmail.com
Sun Jun 10 01:49:41 EDT 2007


Another argument, in the interests of efficiency, which  favors  grafting 
persimmon trees rather than growing seedlings stems from the observations of 
some reputable growers that the ratio of male to female seedlings 
significantly exceeds the 1:1 that might be expected and is in fact reported 
by most. But observations such as John Gordon's of John Gordon Nursery that 
most seedlings are males(and so recommends that 8 seedlings be planted in 
order to insure proper male/female mix) cannot easily be dismissed, 
especially as others have reported the same. Instead, some  theories are 
called for to explain the disparity - perhaps a reflection of the difference 
between tetraploid (60 chromosome) and hexaploid (90 chromosome)seedlings or 
perhaps resulting from some differing environmental influences.


Regarding parthenocarpy in persimmon, that of the vegetative variety 
(requiring no stimulus to set fruit) is common among the Asian varieties, so 
that a solitary tree left undisturbed can often be a good bearer. American 
persimmon also probably exhibit some degree of parthenocarpy, suggested by 
the seedless fruit of some varieties. But there is little enthusiasm to 
explore and possibly exploit this trait partly because economics and 
marketability favor production of frozen pulp over the sale of fresh fruit, 
whether it be seeded or seedless, and partly because of the decreased yields 
of unpollenized trees. But the home orchardist, who may well desire a 
seedless persimmon but is unwilling to sacrifice yield, may want to 
investigate further. It may be interesting to test the theory that 
parthenocarpy in American persimmon exists but, unlike with Asians, requires 
some stimulus , be it chestnut pollen or a plant hormone such as 
gibberellin, to give adequate yields of seedless fruit.

Alan Stein
Pittsburgh, PA
zone 6


>Hi Jerry,
>
>I'll insert my answers in blue
>
>In a message dated 6/9/2007 7:15:40 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
>Jerrydana5 at aol.com writes:
>
> > OK, not to appear stupid, but I don't understand this persimmon
> > fertilization [pollination] thing.  Everybody around here says you must 
>have 2 trees to
> > have persimmons.  I guess that means they are like some apples which are 
>not
> > self-fertile. Persimmon is dioecious, that means male and female flowers 
>on
> > separate trees. One tree of each sex is needed in order the female tree 
>will
> > bear fruit. There a very very rare few exceptions. Apples are monoecious
> > meaning the flowers each have male and female sexual parts and some are 
>not self
> > compatable.  I got my sprouts from volunteers under a solitary tree 
>close by
> > which is always loaded with persimmons. How could that be? That would 
>indicate
> > there are male trees nearby which you may not know about. Persimmon is
> > pollinated by bees and will carry pollen quite far.  My guess is the 
>trees not
> > bearing are male trees. And am I guaranteed I will get persimmons from 
>just two
> > trees, or do I need more to be sure?  Having two trees will not 
>guarantee
> > fruit as they both can be male trees. What if they don't "get along"?  
>Is it
> > possible to have two trees which do not cross-pollinate? To my knowledge 
>there
> > is no genetic incompatibly that blocks pollination as in cherries and 
>some
> > other fruits. There are some seedless persimmons but generally they 
>still need a
> > pollinator to produce the seedless fruit. I know, that doesn't make 
>sense as
> > we know it. It's taken me years to get some sprouts that grow, so I want 
>to
> > get this straight.  Thanks for clearing things up for this new persimmon
> > grower.  I'd like to suggest that you graft your seedlings to known good 
>female
> > bearing varieties. Not all persimmon trees bear desirable fruit for your 
>use.
> > Jerry in southern Indiana
>
>
>Jerry in central West Indiana.
>
>
>
>**************************************
>  See what's free at http://www.aol.com.


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