Differences in Tree Growth and Nutrient Absorption of Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) and Date Plum (D. lotus) Seedlings

Abstract

D. kaki and D. lotus are used as rootstocks for astringent persimmons in Korea but characteristics of their seedlings have not been determined. In this experiment, their seeds were sown in 3-L pots on April 18 and the seedlings were grown until October 24. Growth and nutrient absorption were compared at the end of the season after destructively harvesting the seedlings. Seedling growth of D. lotus was much faster than that of D. kaki in terms of total stem length, stem diameter, and number of leaves. However, chlorophyll value and specific leaf weight were higher in D. kaki than in D. lotus. Dry weight of D. lotus was 3.6- and 3.7-fold higher than that of D. kaki in above-ground parts and the root, respectively. D. kaki seedlings were characterized by higher concentrations of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg in the leaves, stem, or the root. However, total contents of the elements were 1.8- to 3.7-fold higher in a D. lotus seedling due to its greater dry weight. Since D. lotus seedlings absorbed more inorganic elements on a tree basis and grew more vigorously than D. kaki seedlings, the level of fertilization for astringent persimmons should be adjusted depending on rootstocks to maintain the trees at the optimum vigor.