Origin and Common Names
Diospyros virginiana L. var. platycarpa Sarg. is a species of the genus Diospyros, which belongs to the family Ebenaceae. This plant is native to the southeastern part of the United States, from New Jersey to Florida, and westwards to Texas and Oklahoma. It is commonly known by the names of American Persimmon, Common Persimmon, or Eastern Persimmon.
General Appearance
American Persimmon is a deciduous tree that grows up to 20-30 feet tall and wide. The bark is grayish-black and forms a distinct block pattern as the tree ages. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and oval-shaped, which turns into yellow, orange, and red in the fall. The flowers are pale yellow and appear in the spring, but they are not showy. The fruit is a berry-like, spherical, and orange to reddish-brown in color, also known as a persimmon. It is around 1-2 inches in diameter, with a leathery and astringent pulp, which softens when ripe in late fall.
Uses
American Persimmon is a valuable tree for its wood, fruit, and ornamental value. The wood is hard, heavy, and durable, which makes it ideal for furniture, flooring, and tool handles. The fruit is edible and widely used in pies, puddings, bread, and jams. The ripe fruit is consumed fresh or can be dried, frozen, or canned. It is a good source of vitamins A, C, and potassium. The not fully ripe fruit contains tannins, which makes it astringent and unpalatable. The fruit is also used as food for wildlife, such as birds, raccoons, and opossums. The tree is also planted as an ornamental, for its attractive bark, foliage, and fruit.
Light Requirements
Diospyros virginiana var. platycarpa thrives best under full sun conditions. The plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to grow healthy and produce high-quality fruit. If grown under shade, the tree might not produce enough fruit or the fruits produced might be of poor quality.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers a warm climate with a long and hot summer. In such conditions, the tree thrives and produces high-quality fruit. A temperature range of 20-30°C is optimal for the tree to grow well. However, it can tolerate freezing temperatures as low as -15°C.
Soil Requirements
Diospyros virginiana var. platycarpa grows well in well-drained soils, such as sandy or loamy soils. The soil pH should be in the range of 6.0-7.5. It is tolerant of salinity and is suitable for growth in coastal soils. The tree can also grow in dry conditions but requires a regular supply of water to maintain good health and high fruit production.
Cultivation of Diospyros virginiana L. var. platycarpa Sarg.
Diospyros virginiana L. var. platycarpa Sarg. is commonly known as American persimmon and is native to the southeastern United States. This slow-growing deciduous tree needs full sun to produce fruit. It grows best in well-draining sandy or loamy soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH of 6.0-7.0. The tree also requires good air circulation.
Watering Needs
Watering is crucial for the growth and development of the American persimmon tree. Water the tree frequently during the first growing season to help establish its root system. In subsequent years, water the tree only during long periods of drought. The tree can tolerate some dryness, but it is essential to make sure the soil is moist during fruit development.
Fertilization
The American persimmon tree requires regular fertilization to promote fruit production. Apply a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in early spring before new growth begins. Repeat this application in late spring or early summer before the fruits begin to develop. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause the tree to produce too much foliage at the expense of fruit.
Pruning
Pruning helps maintain the shape of the tree and remove any dead or diseased branches. It is best to prune the tree during the dormant season, which is in late winter. Remove any branches that are crossed, rubbing, or growing downwards. Thin out the canopy to promote better air circulation and encourage new growth. Avoid pruning the tree heavily as this can reduce fruit production in the following year.
Propagation of Diospyros virginiana L. var. platycarpa Sarg.
Diospyros virginiana L. var. platycarpa Sarg. is commonly propagated by seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Seeds
Seeds of Diospyros virginiana L. var. platycarpa Sarg. can be collected from mature fruits in the fall. After collecting, the seeds should be cleaned, soaked in water for 24 hours, and stratified for 60-90 days. Stratification is the process of exposing the seeds to cold and moist conditions to mimic winter. After stratification, the seeds can be sown in the spring in a propagation bed and transplanted to containers or the field after reaching a certain size.
Cuttings
Diospyros virginiana L. var. platycarpa Sarg. can be propagated by softwood or hardwood cuttings. Softwood cuttings can be taken in the late spring or early summer from the current season's growth. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches in length, treated with a rooting hormone, and placed in a well-draining propagation mixture under high humidity. Hardwood cuttings can be taken in the winter from the previous season's growth. The cuttings should be 12-18 inches in length, treated with a rooting hormone, and stored in a cool, moist place until spring. Both softwood and hardwood cuttings can be transplanted to containers or the field after rooting.
Grafting
Diospyros virginiana L. var. platycarpa Sarg. can also be propagated by grafting onto rootstocks of the same or a closely related species, such as Diospyros virginiana. The most common method is bark grafting in the early spring before bud break. The scion should be 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter, have 2-4 buds, and be collected from a disease-free tree. The rootstock should be of similar size, with a smooth and straight stem. The graft union should be wrapped tightly with grafting tape and protected from direct sunlight until growth is observed.
Disease and Pest Management for Diospyros virginiana L. var. platycarpa Sarg.
Diospyros virginiana L. var. platycarpa Sarg. commonly known as the American persimmon, is a popular fruit tree among gardeners and farmers. As with any other fruit tree, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can affect its overall growth and productivity. Therefore, it is essential to understand the different types of common diseases and pests that affect the plant and how to manage them.
Common Diseases
Some of the common diseases that affect Diospyros virginiana L. var. platycarpa Sarg. include:
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella naviculoides. It is characterized by circular to irregular brown spots on leaves and fruit. To manage this disease, it is advisable to remove and destroy any infected leaves and fruit regularly.
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. It affects the tree's young shoots, leaves, flowers, and fruits. To manage this disease, maintain good hygiene by removing all fallen leaves and fruit from the ground, prune dead and diseased wood, and use fungicides.
- Root rot: This disease is caused by the fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi. It leads to the wilting of the tree, and the leaves turn yellow or brown before falling off. To manage this disease, improve drainage, avoid over-watering, and use fungicides.
Common Pests
Some of the common pests that affect Diospyros virginiana L. var. platycarpa Sarg. include:
- Scale insects: These insects are characterized by their flat, scale-like appearance. They feed on the tree's leaves, causing the foliage to yellow and drop off. To manage this pest, use horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps.
- Japanese beetle: This beetle feeds on the tree's leaves, flowers, and fruit. It is advisable to remove any adult beetles found on the tree and use insecticides to manage an infestation.
- Spider mites: These pests cause the leaves to become stippled and yellow. They are difficult to see, but the webbing they produce is a tell-tale sign of an infestation. To manage this pest, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
In conclusion, proper disease and pest management practices are essential for the growth and productivity of the Diospyros virginiana L. var. platycarpa Sarg. tree. Regular monitoring, early detection, and appropriate management practices such as removing and destroying infected plant parts, using fungicides and insecticides, and improving drainage and hygiene, can help to minimize the damage caused by the common pests and diseases.
