Effects of CPPU and strapping on fruit size and maturity in 'Hiratanenashi' Japanese persimmon

The effects of N-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-N'-phenylurea (CPPU) application, with or without strapping, on fruit size, fruit colouration, and fruit quality in 'Hiratanenashi' Japanese persimmon were evaluated in 2005 and 2007. Application of CPPU alone delayed colouration and fruit maturation, while strapping alone promoted fruit colouration. The application of CPPU with strapping promoted fruit maturation, compared with CPPU alone. These results suggest that the delay in colouration due to the application of CPPU could be compensated for by strapping in 'Hiratanenashi' Japanese persimmon. CPPU application, with strapping, effectively improved the final fruit weight, with no decrease in the soluble solids content of the mature fruit.