Abstract
We studied the factors influencing the acclimatization of Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb. cv. Nishimurawase) micropropagules derived from shoot tips and evaluated their field performance. During acclimatization, optimum plantlet survival was at 28 °C, but most died at 22° or 34 °C. Plantlets grew better under continuous lighting than under a 16 hr photoperiod. Enhanced PPF stimulated growth of the micropropagules and raised their survival rate. When shoots were transplanted into pots, immediately after the root-ing treatment, none survived. On the other hand, when transplanted after root induction on the rooting medium, almost all of them survived. The highest plant growth rate was obtained with those plantlets cultured for 20 days on the rooting medium. Although plant-lets grew vigorously when transferred outside, they grew better when transplanted in the field than in partly glazed pots. Rejuvenation did not occur in the shoot tip culture of Japanese persimmon, because some of the plantlets planted in the pots bore both male and female flowers four months after being transferred outside.
