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[Lon Rombough <lonrom@hevanet.com>]

The only value I can see in such seedlings is that they *might* produce trees that need less chilling than normal.  Useful in the south, but not much value anywhere else.  
Otherwise, that premature sprouting shows up in other plants.  I've seen apple and grape seeds that did that, too.  Most seeds contain substances that inhibit dormancy until the substances are broken down by cold.  Such instant sprouting seeds probably either somehow didn't get the substance, or have embryos that are "resistant" to the substance.  
-Lon Rombough
Grapes, writing, consulting, my book, The Grape Grower, at http://www.bunchgrapes.com  Winner of the Garden Writers Association "Best Talent in Writing" award for 2003.
On Nov 14, 2004, at 8:33 AM, K Q wrote:

I have noticed that about 1% of the fresh persimmon seeds I have are sprouting with no stratification. I thought they would need at least 90 days worth.

Anyone know if this is normal?

Would there be any disadvantage or even advantage to isolating these individuals for any purpose?

Would these particular seedlings be good for grafting later on?

Perhaps if they were bred together a line of persimmons could be bred whose seeds would need no stratification at all?