Nursery-grafting Method for Persimmon Propagation Using a Current Rootstock

Abstract

We present a new nursery grafting method for persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) propagation. This study examined the effects of grafting time and leaves of rootstock on the graft-take ratio and growth of grafted plants. Between April and September, we were able to graft a scion of ‘Fuyu’ persimmon onto a current seedling of ‘Hourenbou’ rootstock, which was between 110 and 195 days old. Although grafting onto a current seedling without leaves yielded a low graft-take ratio, 80 to 100% of scions grafted onto rootstock with leaves were established successfully. Between rootstock with and without leaves, a significant difference was noted in the callus-forming ratios 20 days after grafting. A callus was observed in all nursery plants grafted onto rootstock with leaves, irrespective of the bud-break feasibility.