Floral morphology, pollen viability and pollinizer efficacy of persimmon

Abstract

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.), also known as Japani Phal, is a deciduous tree adapted to warm temperate and subtropical climates. Cultivar Hachiya and two staminate genotypes of persimmon were studied for floral morphology. The flowers of staminate and pistillate cultivars exhibited different morphology with respect to flower size and the presence/absence of reproductive parts. Maximum anthesis and anther dehiscence was recorded during early morning 6:00-8:00 am, whereas, minimum during evening up to 2:00 pm and stopped completely thereafter. Stigma receptivity was found to be highest on the day of anthesis. Pollen length and width (29.25 × 21.80 μm) was recorded highest in Diospyros virginiana while, lowest (27.60 × 20.25 μm) was found in Kandaghat Pink. Prolate shape of pollen was recorded in both the genotypes. The pollen grains of both the staminate genotype were ovate when dry and assumed a circular shape on imbibition of moisture. Maximum pollen viability of both the cultivars was observed in Acetocarmine solution, followed by Tetrazolium Chloride and lowest in Erythrosine B. Highest pollen germination (64.10%) in Kandaghat Pink was recorded in 15% sucrose solution followed by 10% (42.50%) and lowest in 5% sucrose solution (20.10%). Both the pollinizers proved to be effective in inducing high fruit set and reducing fruit drop suggesting that both the genotypes can be effectively used as pollinizer for cultivar Hachiya.