Diospyros Virginiana Research Articles

Correlated photosynthetic responses and habitat factors of two successional tree species

Ulmus alata and Diospyros virginiana are components of the shrubearly tree communities of old-field succession in several areas in the deciduous forests of eastern North America. In these habitats, the plants experience high insolation, high temperatures, and low soil moisture during the summer. They exhibit pronounced daily changes in water potential and usually develop more negative water potentials as the season progresses. The species light saturate at ∼1,150 μE m-2 sec-1 with photosynthetic rates of 15 mg CO2 dm-2 h-1 for U. alata and 17 mg CO2 dm-2 h-1 for D. virginiana. The optimum temperatures for photosynthesis are ∼25°C. Ulmus alata maintains maximum photosynthesis to water potentials of-14 bars and recovers from-20 bars to ∼60% of maximum photosynthesis within 10 hrs after watering. When they are deprived of water, twigs of D. virginiana exhibit faster decline in photosynthesis and leaf conductance than twigs of U. alata. The two species have somewhat different response to the environmental of high insolation and low water supply. Unlike Ulmus, Diospyros virginiana has some adaptations which may explain the persistence of a few individuals in mature forests.

Endogenous gibberellin level during bud dormancy break of Diospyros virginiana and its possible effect on water content

Endogenous gibberellic acid (GA) levels at different developmental stages during bud break dormancy of Diospyros virginiana were studied. Experimental results revealed a gradual increase in GA levels, its level being low at the first collecting date and increasing progressively. Water content of these buds was constant for a long period and rose only towards the end of rest period. It is suggested that the earlier increase in GA levels during emergence from dormancy affects cell membranes, either directly or via its effect on auxin production, thus causing the later observed increase in water content.

Virginia Opossums (Didelphis virginiana) as Disseminators of the Common Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)

Virginia Opossums (Didelphis virginiana) as Disseminators of the Common Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana)

Injection Treatments for Killing Bottom-Land Hardwoods

Injection of undiluted dimethylamine salt of (2,4-dichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4-D) containing 479 g/L killed several species of bottom-land hardwoods when applied in 1 or 2-ml dosages in injections spaced from edge-to-edge to 23 cm apart. Most hardwoods were easier to kill in June than in September or December. For greatest economy, treatments should be varied by species and seasons. A 4:1 mixture of triisopropanolamine salts of 2,4-D and 4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid (picloram) containing 305 g/L was effective on some species resistant to 2,4-D, including eastern persimmon (Diospyros virginiana L.), swamp privet (Forestiera acuminata (Michx.)Poir.), and bitter pecan (Carya x lecontei Little).

Control of Persimmon with Various Herbicides and Methods of Application

We compared various rates of 2,3,6-trichlorobenzoic acid (2,3,6-TBA), 3,6-dichloro-o-anisic acid (dicamba), and 4-amino-3,5,6-trichloropicolinic acid (picloram), and various methods of application on persimmon (Diospyros virginiana L.). Single rates of 2,3,6-trichlorophenylacetic acid (fenac) and (2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy)acetic acid (2,4,5-T) also were included. In one experiment, 8 lb/A of dicamba injected into the soil killed significantly more persimmon than the same rate applied to the soil in 4-inch bands. Otherwise, with given herbicides at comparable rates, defoliation and mortality of persimmon were similar with all methods of soil application. Foliage applications of dicamba or picloram at relatively low rates caused defoliation and mortality of persimmon equal to soil applications of dicamba or picloram at high rates. Dicamba was more effective than equal rates of 2,3,6-TBA for killing persimmon. Picloram at 2 lb/A and dicamba at 4 lb/A, as foliage applications, defoliated and killed persimmon to nearly the same extent. Fenac was relatively ineffective for killing persimmon. Soil treatments with picloram and dicamba killed 22 to 30% more persimmon when applied in summer than when applied in spring. Spring and summer foliage applications of dicamba and 2,3,6-TBA caused similar defoliation and mortality of persimmon, but mortality of persimmon was somewhat higher with spring than with summer foliage applications of picloram. Summer basal treatment with 2,4,5-T killed more persimmon than spring basal treatment.

Forest Regeneration on Two Old Fields in Southwestern Illinois

Total tallies of trees 2.6 inches DBH or larger and sub- sampling of smaller woody and herbaceous vegetation were done on two old fields in Union Co. which had been abandoned 35 or 40 years prior to 1967. Tulip tree (Liriodendron tu,lipifera) predominated in a closed stand on lower, gentle slopes adjacent to a creek. Sugar maple (Acer saccharum) predominated on flat areas adjacent to another creek. Slopes above the sugar maple stand were partly forested with sweet gum (Liquidambar styraciflua) as the major species and sassafras (Sassafras albidum) locally predominant. Habitat factors related to variations in tree regeneration were soil type, physiography, and proximity to tree cover. The findings extend appreciably reports of old-field successional types in southern Illinois. (Andropogon virginicus L.) or little bluestem (A. scoparius Michx.), has generally been reported for abandoned fields in southern Illinois and adjacent areas (Bazzaz, 1968; Voigt and Mohlenbrock, 1964). Aggressively invading pines of the southeastern states are lacking. Sassafras (Sassafras albidum (Nutt.) Nees) and persimmon (Diospyros virginiana L.) have been reported to be important woody invaders. Very few fields older than 15 years have been studied, and these have chiefly been on uplands. Essentially no fields have been reported in which broomsedge remnants were not important. Bottomland or lower slope fields with good stands of young timber other than sassafras or persimmon are, however, not common. We shall discuss two such stands, and the upper slope old-field vegetation adjoining one of the two stands. NATURAL SETTING OF THE STUDY AREA Southern Illinois lies in the humid mesothernal (Caf-humid sub- tropical, warm summer) province of Trewartha (1954). The south- western portion of the state has a high and rather evenly distributed rainfall averaging over 45 inches per year. Droughty periods in the summer and early fall are not uncommon. Three vegetational regions of Braun (1950), the southern hardwoods of the Mississippi Embay- ment, the western mesophytic, and the oak-hickory, are represented. In southern Illinois these are typically related to bottomlands, ravines, and ridges, respectively. Two study areas are located in Union Co. (89015'W, 37023'N), 5 miles south of Anna-Jonesboro at an approximate elevation of 500 ft in the Illinois Ozarks (Shawnee Hillg), roughly 10 miles from the Mississippi River to the west and 20 miles from the Ohio River to the south near the watershed of these drainages. The underlying rock is 90

FORMATION OF HYBRID SEEDS OF ASIAN PERSIMMON DEPENDING ON QUALITY OF FATHER FORMS POLLEN

The objects of research are the Diospyros kaki Thunb collection, which includes 26 varieties of foreign and domestic selection and two wild species (Caucasian persimmon (Diospyros lotus L.) and virgin persimmon (Diospyros virginiana L.)). To create hybrid forms, carriers of economically valuable traits, such as yield, fruit quality, and resistance to extreme environmental factors, were selected from the collection. The following cultivars were selected as maternal forms: Djiro, Hiakume, Hachia, Seedles and MVG Omarova, as paternal forms: Zenji-Maru, Geili, Fuyu. Also, in order to create winter-hardy forms, D. virginiana is included in the breeding process as a carrier of winter hardiness (-25 ... -270С), high sugar content of 25% and vitamin C (116 mg/%). The indicators of morphological quality of pollen of paternal forms were studied: Zenji-Maru, Geili, Fuyu. When germinating pollen on an artificial nutrient medium (in vitro), a variation in the percentage of germination in the range of 69.35 - 88.5% was noted, the highest rates were in D. virginiana (88.5%), in varieties Zenji-Maru, Fuyu and Geili from 69.35% to 76.31%. The high quality of pollen is noted in the variety Fuyu. From targeted crosses, the percentage of fruit set ranged from 12.5 to 34.5. In combinations Djiro × Fuyu, Hiakume × Fuyu and MVG Omarova × Fuyu, the largest number of hybrid seeds was obtained, and a significant percentage of promising hybrids was also identified. The smallest number of seeds was obtained in cross-breeding combinations involving Seedles and Hachia varieties, this is due to the fact that these varieties set fruits parthenocarpically. A total of 808 hybrid seeds were obtained, the average germination rate was 53.7. Hybrid progeny is represented by a wide variety of seedlings, which differ at an early age in terms of growth strength, branching, foliage, and leaf blade size. Based on morphological features, 148 forms of interest for further selection have been identified. Forms obtained with the direct participation of D. virginiana are valuable material for the selection of winter-hardy forms.

Decomposition of irradiated persimmon leaves

The decomposition rate of leaves from neutron-gamma irradiated persimmon ( Diospyros virginiana) trees did not differ significantly from that of nonirradiated leaves during the first 28 weeks in litter. Beginning in early May and extending through summer into autumn, the irradiated leaves decomposed faster than did the controls ( P < 0·025). First-year weight loss from irradiated leaves, 62% ± 2, exceeded that from nonirradiated foliage, 48% ± 3. No differences existed in water-soluble losses from the two types of litter. The coarser texture of aberrant areas on irradiated leaves did not retard the rate of weight loss from those leaves. It is possible that convolutions in wrinkled areas of the irradiated foliage afforded concealment and a more favorable environment for decomposers.

Proanthocyanidin from Persimmon Fruits

AbstractDegradative and other data described below have shown that the tannin of unripe fruits of persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) actually contains (+)‐gallocatechin unit in the structure and must be regarded as condensed flavonoid pigments, probably of similar structure to the polymeric proanthocyanidin from avocado seed.The possible structure of the proanthocyanidin from persimmon fruits is proposed tentatively as a polymer of 5, 7, 3′, 4′, 5′‐pentahydroxyflavanonol.

An Examination of the Oil of the Seeds of Persimmon (Diospyros Virginiana L., Fam. Ebenaceae)

A fixed oil was extracted by petroleum ether from the seeds of Diospyros Virginiana L., representing approximately three per cent of the weight of the seeds. The oil is semidrying, and its properties are similar to sesame oil. The petroleum ether extract has a dark, reddish brown color, musk-like odor, and a bland taste like olive oil. It consists of 80.24 per cent unsaturated fatty acids, of nearly eual parts of oleic and linoleic acids. The saturated fatty acids consist of stearic and palmitic acids, with traces of myristic and arachidic acids. Saturated acids amounted to 16.25 per cent of the total weight of the oil. The amount of unsaponifiable matter and the physical constants were determined. A qualitative identification of the saturated fatty acids was made by chromatography using the technique developed by Holasek and Winsauer. Separation of the saturated and unsaturated fatty acids was effected by Pelikan and Von Mikusch modification of the Bertram oxidation method. Stearic and palmitic acids were identified after their separation by fractional crystallization from methanol at low temperatures. Results indicate that: The chemical constituents of the oil of the seeds of Diospyros Virginiana L. are similar to sesame oil; ield of the oil from the seeds is 3.41 per cent; and possibility exists that this oil might be useful in the formulation of perfumes or cosmetics where the oil might be used to advantage.

Hibernation, Hibernacula and Associated Behavior of the Three-Toed Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis)

T HE three-toed box turtle (Terrapene carolina triunguis) is a common inhabitant of lowland forest areas, and particularly flood plain forests, of eastern Oklahoma. The following study was made on the Oliver Wildlife Preserve of the University of Oklahoma, 2 miles south of Norman, Cleveland County, Oklahoma. This preserve, during the time of the study, consisted of approximately 60 acres, of which 50 acres were flood plain forest of the South Canadian River. The large cottonwoods are being replaced by American elm, green ash and persimmon (Penfound, 1948). Undergrowth is sparse, greenbriar (Smilax) being the dominant shrub, partly due to heavy grazing by twenty head of cattle. Six small pools, ranging from 100 to 500 square feet of surface area, are located along the base of the hill running along the north side of the preserve. Only one of these pools contains water for more than two or three months of the year. Accounts of hibernation in box turtles (e.g. Allard, 1935; Penn and Pottharst, 1940; Stickel, 1950 and Whetmore, 1920) are generally superficial. The abundance of the threetoed box turtle in the Oliver Wildlife Preserve

Composition of a Green Ash Forest near Norman, Oklahoma

ABSTRACT. A complete census was made in a bottomland forest near Norman, Oklahoma, in 1956. Of the 13 tree species encountered, green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica var. subintegerrima) was the only dominant. American elm (Ulmus americana), cottonwood (Populus Sargentii) and persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) were important secondary species. The considerable number of dead trees, the paucity of saplings, and the data from previous studies suggested that this forest had be deteriorating since 1948. A complete census of the tree population in a green ash bottomland forest was accomplished in the autumn of 1956. The stand analysed, known as the Oliver Wildlife Preserve, is located on the highest level of the South Canadian River, about two miles south of Norman, Oklahoma. In 1948 the area was very wet as indicated by the presence of the aquatic water-willow weed and liverwort-moss collars on the bases of most of the trees (Penfound 1948). Since 1948 the precipitation has been much below normal, especially in the even-numbered years of 1952, 1954 and 1956. As a result the liverwort-moss collars have disappeared, many seedlings of the eastern red cedar have appeared, and a considerable number of trees have died, especially since 1952.

The Distribution of Diospyros Virginiana L.

While the factors responsible for the present distribution of D. virginiana are in themselves not unique, the study of the literature pertaining to the native persimmon is particularly rewarding. Because the persimmon is both a fruit and forest tree the information obtained is increased two-fold. The combination of botanical, horticultural, and dendrological data answers some of the questions in regard to the determination and interpretation of the many aspects of its life phenomena. An attempt will be made here to present the factors affecting the macroand micro-distribution of D. virginiana and to review and supplement certain aspects of the literature relating to them. The genus Diospyros has a fossil record extending to the Mid-Cretaceous Era, and is represented by leaves, wood, calices, and even fossilized fruit, each having been reported from various locations throughout the world. Species evidently grew in Greenland, Siberia, Canada, northern Japan, Alaska, the British Isles, and in North Africa and Arabia (Berry, 1923). Although no major geographic region of the United States is without one or more fossil representatives of this genus, only one, based upon wood from a Pleistocene deposit in Louisiana, has been designated D. virginiana (La Motte, 1952). Yet it is reasonable to assume, in the light of leaf variation evident within the extant species, that perhaps a few others of the North American forms based on leaf remains and present as far back as the Cretaceous (Berry, 1923) may also be D. virginiana. Indeed, the present distribution pattern of D. virginiana indicates a very long history. In common with other plants of chiefly tropical affinity, it appears to have been dispersed throughout eastern United States from ancient centers in the Appalachian-Ozark highlands (Fernald, 1931). Diospyros virginiana is now known only from the United States, and occurs within the area depicted in fig. 1. Each dot represents a county from which a collection has been reported. The apparent low density of collections in the Southeast can best be accounted for by a lack of records from this area. Thus, although only a few collections are represented from Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana, floras of these states list D. virginiana as occurring throughout the area. Moreover, a survey of the commercial stands of persimmon timber in the United States showed these states to be especially well represented (Fletcher, 1915). The critical collections at the periphery of its range are likely to define its extent fairly well, since specimens representing the rare species and new range extension are collected with a frequency disproportionate to their occurrence in the natural vegetation.

POLYPLOIDY IN SEDUM TERNATUM MICHX. II. CYTOGEOGRAPHY

THIS PAPER gives the geographic occurrence of four chromosome-number races of Sedum ternatum Michx. as revealed by routine cytological analysis of the species in the wild. It is one of a series of reports planned on the cytogeography2 of North American plants: those on Galax L. (Baldwin, 1941), on Diospyros virginiana L. (Baldwin and Culp, 1941), and on Oxydendrum DC. (Baldwin, 1942) have been written; those on Leavenworthia Torr. and on Sedum pulchellum Michx. are in preparation. Cytological survey of many species throughout.their geographic and ecologic ranges should throw light on such problems as frequency of intraspecific chromosome races; concentration, or lack of concentration, of such races in certain regions and situations; significance of polyploidy; dispersal paths of species; trends in evolution of floras; systematic and phyletic relationships, etc. Plants of S. ternatum were collected from the wild either by the writer or by co-operating individuals (see table 1) and, in most cases, grown in pots at the University of Michigan Botanical Gardens. The chromosomes were usually counted in aceto-carmine smears of roots after fixation in Carnoy's fluid. Such preparations of this species are easily made. Nawaschin-fixed, crystal-violet-stained sections of roots from some of the collections were studied. Chromosome numbers were determined for seventy-one collections from locations throughout the

The Burrows and Food of the Prairie Pocket Mouse

During the course of field work in Rogers County, Oklahoma, in the winter of 1933 and the summers of 1935 and 1936, numerous burrows of Perognathus hispidus maximus were excavated and examined. A few records were kept of food found in the cheek pouches of individuals caught in snap traps. From these two sources I have assembled the data presented herewith. I am indebted to O. W. Letson for his kind assistance in the identification of many of the plants mentioned in this study. Many of the food materials were determined by A. C. Martin of the U. S. Biological Survey. The insect material was identified by I. J. Cantrall. I wish also to thank Lee R. Dice and W. H. Burt for critically reading the manuscript. Burrows.-In this area prairie pocket mice were found only on rocky, uncultivated prairie. Within this major habitat two factors seemed to be most important in determining the location of their burrows. Every burrow examined was located, at least partially, beneath a limestone fragment. These limestone slabs were found in the prairie habitats having thin soil and scanty vegetation and in the areas characterized by deeper soil and denser vegetation. Pocket mice occurred beneath them in both types of habitat, but more mice were found living in the more densely vegetated area. This habitat is characterized by such woody plants as smooth sumac (Rhus glabra) and persimmon sprouts (Diospyros virginiana). Typical grasses are side-oats grama (Bouteloua curtipendula), silver beardgrass (Andropogon saccharoides), buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides), and windmill grass (Chloris verticillata). Other characteristic plants are prickly pear (Opuntia humifusa and Opuntia tortispina), nettle (Tragia nepetaefolia), and blue false indigo (Baptisia australis). Several observations on the burrows were made. I have found, as did Bailey (North Amer. Fauna, no. 25, pp. 135-137, 1905) with the subspecies hispidus, that mounds of earth resembling pocket gopher mounds generally are thrown out near the entrances, and that usually there is more than one entrance. Most of the burrows examined had two or three entrances, but a few had only one. The entrances generally were plugged from within during the day, but this was not always the case. One system of burrows never contained more than a single individual. There is a rough correlation between the age of the mouse and the extent and complexity of its burrow. The burrow of an immature individual generally is an unbranched tunnel beneath a limestone slab. The bottom surface of the rock forms the roof of the tunnel. Unconsumed food is scattered about the tunnel. Older individuals occupy much more elaborate systems of burrows. The tunnels are branched considerably and may pro188

MICRO-LEPIDOPTERA

This species was bred from minute mines in the leaves of Persimmon trees (Diospyros virginiana),gathered in great abundance at the “Bee Spring” camp of the Kentucky Geological Survey, in Edmondson County, a few miles west of the Mammoth Cave. I have never met with it in Northern Kentucky, where the Persimmon tree also grows, but is comparatively rare.

Art. IV.—On the use of the unripe fruit of the Diospyros Virginiana, as a Therapeutic Agent.

Art. IV.—On the use of the unripe fruit of the Diospyros Virginiana, as a Therapeutic Agent.

Art. IV.—On the use of the unripe fruit of the Diospyros Virginiana, as a Therapeutic Agent.

Art. IV.—On the use of the unripe fruit of the Diospyros Virginiana, as a Therapeutic Agent.