The early growth and photosynthetic rate of Japanese persimmons (Diospyros kaki L.) grafted onto different interstocks

The effects of interstocks on the early growth and photosynthetic rate of the 'Fuyu' persimmon were studied. Two years after planting, the total shoot length of the trees was shortened with the use of rootstock candidates (Ac-1, Ac-2, and Y) and seedlings of Diospyros rhombifolia as interstocks to 31, 33, 36, and 16% of the control trees, and the height were 59, 75, 68, and 58% of those of the control trees, respectively. The leaves of the trees on the D. rhombifolia interstock had the lowest photosynthetic activity, though there was no distinct difference in photosynthetic activity between control and rootstock candidate interstock trees even though they differed in growth rate. These results demonstrated that it was possible to use a dwarf rootstock candidate as interstock for dwarf culture of the Japanese persimmon. Furthermore, the possible existence of a different dwarfing mechanism in the rootstock candidate and in D. rhombifolia was demonstrated. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.