Persimmon Seeds Research Articles

Effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on early development of persimmon seedlings

Abstract The present study evaluated the effects of five species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on vegetative development parameters and nutrient uptake of persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) seedlings. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized experimental design with six treatments involving AMF inoculation (non-inoculated; Dentiscutata heterogama, Claroideoglomus etunicatum, Rhizophagus clarus, Acaulospora scrobiculata and A. morrowiae), in sterile soil (Oxisol – Dystrophic Red Latosol) under greenhouse conditions. Persimmon seeds were germinated in sterile sand and the seedlings were transplanted to the sterile soil and received AMF inocula. After 360 days, the following vegetative parameters were analyzed: plant height, number of leaves, leaf surface area, stem diameter, shoot and root dry mass, percentage of root colonization and nutrient accumulation in shoot and root biomass. We observed different responses to the AMF species tested. Seedling height and leaf surface area were promoted by inoculation with D. heterogama and A. morrowiae, and these species also promoted a higher percentage of root colonization. Plants inoculated with D. heterogama and C. etunicatum presented a greater number of leaves, but only D. heterogama promoted significant increases in stem diameter. Shoot dry mass was improved by inoculation with D. heterogama, A. morrowiae and C. etunicatum, while the first two species and R. clarus increased root dry mass. Nutrient accumulation in shoot and root biomass was stimulated by AMF inoculation, especially by D. heterogama and A. morrowiae. Therefore, the effects on early vegetative development were more pronounced in the persimmon seedlings inoculated with D. heterogama.

Treatment of phytobezoars: Tailoring management to diverse presentations.

A minimally invasive approach is feasible and successful for the treatment of phytobezoars. We would like to draw attention to the overconsumption of Sorbus domestica and discuss the management options of patients presenting with different symptoms due to phytobezoars. Data from patients diagnosed with phytobezoars in the Department of General Surgery from 2010 to 2016 were prospectively collected and evaluated. Twenty patients diagnosed with phytobezoars were included in the study. The etiology of phytobezoar was Sorbus domestica seeds in 12 patients, watermelon seeds in two patients, Japanese persimmon seeds in one patient, and unidentified in five patients. Fourteen patients underwent surgery, while the remaining patients were treated conservatively. Minimally invasive surgery was used in all but two cases, where the surgery was converted to laparotomy. Two patients developed postoperative morbidity. There was no mortality. The treatment modality should be selected for each patient according to the presenting symptoms and characteristics of phytobezoar. In cases where surgery is performed, a minimally invasive approach is feasible and successful for the treatment of ileus.

English

Acceptance of green tea, a health promoting functional food material, could be increased if its flavor is improved. Persimmon seeds and leaves are likely potential options for green tea improvement since they contain a large number of volatile flavor compounds. In the present study, amino acids, volatile flavor compounds, and antioxidant potentials of persimmon tea (PT) prepared with green tea were investigated. PT contained 8 essential amino acids, most of which are associated with learning ability and memory as well as stroke and neurodegenerative diseases prevention. Total free amino acid was high in persimmon seed tea (273.37-300.61 µg/mL) as compared to persimmon leaf tea (179.75-198.44 µg/mL). Total phenol content of persimmon leaf tea ranged from 333.07 to 348.87 GAE µg/g and that of seed tea from 324.63 to 356.73 GAE µg/g. Some of the volatile flavor compounds such as 2-undecanone; furfural; 5-methyl furfural; benzoic acid, methyl ester; benzaldehyde, 4-methyl; and phenol, 2,4-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl) were found in persimmon leaf and seed tea. The results of the present study suggest that persimmon leaf and seed could offer good options to enhance the preference of green tea along with its nutritional value. Key words: Acceptance, green tea, nutritional value, persimmon leaf, persimmon seed.

Seed dispersal of Diospyros virginiana in the past and the present: Evidence for a generalist evolutionary strategy

Several North American trees are hypothesized to have lost their co‐evolved seed disperser during the late‐Pleistocene extinction and are therefore considered anachronistic. We tested this hypothesis for the American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) by studying the effects of gut passage of proposed seed dispersers on seedling survival and growth, natural fruiting characteristics, and modern animal consumption patterns. We tested gut passage effects on persimmon seeds using three native living species, the raccoon (Procyon lotor), Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana), and coyote (Canis latrans), and two Pleistocene analogs; the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) and alpaca (Vicugna pacos). Persimmon seeds excreted by raccoons, coyotes, and elephants survived gut transit. Gut passage did not affect sprouting success, but did tend to decrease time to sprout and increase seedling quality. Under field conditions, persimmon fruits were palatable on the parent tree and on the ground for an equal duration, but most fruits were consumed on the ground. Seven vertebrate species fed upon persimmon fruits, with the white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus)—a species not capable of dispersing persimmon seeds—comprising over 90% of detections. Conversely, potential living seed dispersers were rarely detected. Our results suggest the American persimmon evolved to attract a variety of seed dispersers and thus is not anachronistic. However, human‐induced changes in mammal communities could be affecting successful seed dispersal. We argue that changes in the relative abundance of mammals during the Anthropocene may be modifying seed dispersal patterns, leading to potential changes in forest community composition.

Biochemical Constituents and in Vitro Antioxidant and Anticholinesterase Potential of Seeds from Native Korean Persimmon Genotypes.

In the current study, the functional and biochemical potential of the seeds of four persimmon cultivars (PC1, PC2, PC3 and PC4) and their role against oxidative stress and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition were evaluated. In terms of biochemical compositions, free amino acids, fatty acids and organic acids analysis was performed. The free amino acids ranged from 2617.31 (PC2) to 3773.01 μg∙g−1 dry weight (PC4). Oleic acid and linoleic acid were the principal fatty acids, which were significantly higher in PC4 and PC1, respectively. PC4 presented the highest amount of organic acid content (4212 mg∙kg−1), whereas PC2 presented the lowest (2498 mg∙kg−1). PC2 contained higher total phenolic content and flavonoid content, whereas PC3 had the lowest amount as compared to other cultivars. The in vitro DPPH, ABTS and superoxide anion radicals scavenging activity increased in a dose-dependent manner, whereas PC2 showed significantly higher scavenging activities as compared to PC1, PC2 and PC4 types. In the case of AChE inhibition, PC4 showed a moderate activity (67.34% ± 1.8%). In conclusion, the current findings reveal that the studied persimmon seeds cultivars are a source of bioactive natural antioxidants and AChE inhibitors. Such natural products could be employed in pharmaceutical and food industries, whilst can also be considered for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Giombo persimmon seed (GPS) an alternative adsorbent for the removal Toluidine Blue dye from aqueous solutions

AbstractGiombo persimmon seeds (GPS) (Diospyrus kaki L) were used as a novel low-cost adsorbent for the removal of Toluidine Blue dye (TB) from aqueous solution by batch contact adsorption mode at 25°C. The GPS adsorbent was characterized by specific surface area (Brunauer–Emmett–Teller), scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), thermal analysis, point of zero charge, and Boehm titration techniques. The effects of initial pH of solution, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and initial dye concentration on TB adsorption were investigated. Kinetic data were evaluated by pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and Elovich models. The equilibrium adsorption was analyzed by Langmuir, Freundlich, and Sips isotherms models. Desorption studies were also performed. The results indicated that the Elovich model agreed very well with the kinetic data. The equilibrium data of adsorption of TB onto GPS were better fitted using Sips isotherm. The maximum adsorption capacity was 34.73 mg g−1. Good reg...

A Test of Potential Pleistocene Mammal Seed Dispersal in Anachronistic Fruits using Extant Ecological and Physiological Analogs

Using Elephas maximus (Asian Elephant) and Equus ferus caballus (Domesticated Horse) as ecological analogs to extinct Pleistocene mammals, we tested the effect of gut passage on 3 proposed anachronistic fruits: Diospyros virginiana (American Persimmon), Maclura pomifera (Osage Orange), and Asimina triloba (Paw Paw). We found that elephant-gut passage of persimmon seeds increased their germination success and decreased their time to sprout, while Osage Orange seeds showed no benefit to gut passage. Neither American Persimmon nor Osage Orange seeds survived gut passage through horses. Both mammals refused to consume Paw Paw fruits. Assuming a similar physiology and behavior compared to our modern analogs, we suggest that extinct North American elephant species could have been important seed dispersers for American Persimmons but were unlikely to be effective for Osage Orange or Paw Paw, while horses would have been poor dispersers for all plant species tested.

The effects of treating persimmon (Diospyros lotus) seeds with moist-chilling and growth regulators on seeds germination, the subsequent seedling characters and their induced drought tolerance

The present experiment aimed at investigating the effects of seed pre-treatment with moist-chilling (mch), GA3, BA or their combinations on seed germination and subsequent drought resistance of the resulting seedlings. The obtained results indicated that increasing the moist-chilling period from 4 to 8 weeks progressively significantly increased the seeds germination percentages (average from 51.2% to 97.2%) and significantly decreased the time to 50% germination (T50) (average from 47days to 27.3 days). The control one (non-moist- chilled seeds) gave the lowest germination percentage (22.6%) and required the highest T50 (72.6 days). The 4 weeks-chilled seeds soaked in BA gave the most satisfactory results as it yielded high germination percentage (average 85.2%), low T50 (average 31.2 days) and saved about at least 4 weeks which would have otherwise being required for moist-chilling of the seeds. The best vegetative characteristics of 2.5-month-old persimmon seedlings were obtained from seeds treated with 8week-moist-chilling solely or with 4week- moist chilling followed by soaking in 20 ppm BA solution for 16 hr. After exposure the subsequent seedlings to 24 days drought period, the results revealed that increasing the moist-chilling period decreased proline content of the seedlings leaves and roots, while increased their leaf resistance to water vapour (LRWV) (9.9, 11.45 & 19.65 sec/cm for 0, 4, 8 weeks of mch, respectively). Generally, seeds pretreated with BA solely gave seedlings with significantly higher root proline content than those of the other treatments, and hence showing more drought resistance features. After the 24 days of drought, leaves of the seedlings resulting from either 4 or 8-weeks-chilled seeds had significantly higher values of chlorophyll (chl a, b) and total soluble carbohydrates (TSC) than those of their corresponding ones resulting from non-chilled seeds. In view of the above findings, the best combination that gave the most satisfactory results was soaking in BA of the seeds which were mois-chilled for 4 weeks.

Molecular preservation and bulk isotopic signals of ancient rice from the Neolithic Tianluoshan site, lower Yangtze River valley, China

Pyrolysis gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py–GC–MS) analysis of Neolithic (4900–3800 BC) archeological rice grains (husked rice fruit) from the Tianluoshan site (Zhejiang Province, eastern China) revealed no polysaccharide products from starch present in the original rice fruit; however, benzene, toluene, dimethyl benzene, phenol, dimethyl phenol and n-alkanes>C30 were detected, indicating their aromatic nature, plus some aliphatic components. On the contrary, polysaccharides were observed in husk material but in significantly lower concentration than in the modern equivalent. The molecular composition was supported by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) data. Variation in preservation quality was also detected in persimmon seeds, oak acorns and amanranthaceous seeds from the site. This variation in molecular preservation, which could also be observed at the micro-morphological level, was tracked with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Variation in bulk tissue carbon isotopic values (δ13C) was apparent among archeological samples, a net 1–2‰ positive shift in bulk tissue δ13C being found in most of the Tianloushan plant remains. Our data suggest the importance of post-excavation storage conditions and illustrate the power of the application of multiple analytical methods for the study of archeological plant remains.

Sodium Azide Induced Morphological and Molecular Changes in Persimmon (Diospyros Lotus L.)

Sodium Azide Induced Morphological and Molecular Changes in Persimmon (Diospyros LotusL.)PersimmonDiospyros lotusL. is an underutilized species, used as rootstock for Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kakiThunb.) in many European countries. It has a potential for ornamental uses due to its diploid genome that suggests an easy mutation induction. This study was aimed at unravelling the effects of mutagenic sodium azide (in concentrations of 0.1% and 0.5%) on morphological characters (plant height, maximal leaf blade length, maximal leaf blade width and leaf petiole length) and molecular relations of treated accessions, based on AFLP (amplified fragment length polymorphism). In the M1 generation, the analysed characters of two-year old plants differed among the treatments. Sodium azide influenced persimmon stem and leaves in the opposite way, with increase up to 31.57% in plant height and decrease up to 30.33% in leaf petiole length. Changes in morphological characters were significant, that implies the importance of azide influence on the persimmon. Most genotypes treated with 0.1% azide were without significant differences among them and clustered together. The results suggest that the higher azide concentration of 0.5% is more suitable for persimmon seeds azide treatment to form genotypes, significantly different from the control, at the molecular level.

Antioxidant Activity and Fatty Acid Composition of Four Different Persimmon Seeds

This study was conducted to determine antioxidant activities in acetone, ethanol, methanol, and water extracts from the seeds of 4 persimmon cultivars. Antioxidant activities were evaluated on the basis of DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical-scavenging activity (RSA), ABTS (2,2-azino-bis [3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid]) RSA, and reducing power. Cheongdobansi seed extracts showed significantly higher antioxidant activities and phenolic contents than did Bongok, Fuyu, and Nishimurawase seed extracts. Ethanol was more effective for the extraction of antioxidant compounds from persimmons than other solvents. Palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid were the main fatty acids found in persimmon seeds. Fuyu seeds contained the highest levels of fatty acids, and the unsaturated fatty acid contents of persimmon seeds range from 70.4% to 78.3%. All persimmon seed extracts, with the exception of the water extract of Nishimurawase seeds, inhibited DNA damage induced by H2O2.

Germination Rates of Tree Seeds Ingested by Coyotes and Raccoons

The effect of ingestion by coyotes (Canis latrans) and raccoons (Procyon lotor) on seed germination was investigated for four tree species in Illinois. The germination rate of persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) seeds ingested by raccoons was significantly higher than the rate for uningested seeds. Both were significantly higher than the rate for coyote-ingested seeds. Among coyote-ingested seeds, germination rates of persimmon were significantly higher when seeds were protected by undigested fruit pulp or intact seed sheaths thus reducing the exposure of seeds to gastrointestinal enzymes. American plum (Prunus americana) seeds ingested by coyotes had a significantly lower germination rate compared to uningested seeds, whereas germination of pawpaw (Asimina triloba) seeds was similar between coyote-ingested and uningested seeds. Germination was significantly lower for hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) seeds ingested by raccoons compared to uningested seeds. Ingestion improved germination only for persimmon seeds consumed by raccoons, but tree species may realize other benefits from dispersal by coyotes and raccoons (e.g., decreased parental competition).

Carnivore Fruit-Use and Seed Dispersal of Two Selected Plant Species of the Edwards Plateau, Texas

Ashe juniper (Juniperus ashei) and Texas persimmon (Diospyros texana) fruit use and seed dispersal potential by four carnivores were studied on the Edwards Plateau region of Texas. Feces were examined to determine presence of seeds and frequency of occurrence by month from August 1989 to February 1990. Use of fruit species by month followed the pattern of fruit ripening of the two plant species. Texas persimmon fruit was consumed primarily between September and January while Ashe juniper fruit was consumed from October through February. Because large numbers of seeds are present in feces and few are destroyed in mastication and digestion all carnivores studied are considered legitimate dispersal agents of Ashe juniper and Texas persimmon. Dispersal efficiency of carnivores, however, is low due to the location of dispersed seeds (feces) and the clumped seed dispersal patterns. The role of temperate carnivorous mammals as seed dispersal agents of fruit-producing plants has been neglected in the literature (Herrera, 1989). Among tropical mammals, monkeys (Howe, 1980; Estrada and Coates-Estrada, 1984) and bats (Morrison, 1978; Fleming, 1981, 1986; Heithaus, 1982; Gribel, 1988) have been studied intensively in recent years although they have long been recognized as important seed dispersal agents (Ridley, 1930; Krefting and Roe, 1949; van der Pijl, 1982). Recently, the importance of herbivorous mammals in seed dispersal has been documented (Janzen, 1981, 1982, 1984) and to a lesser extent the importance of carnivorous mammals has been noted (Stiles, 1980; Estrada et al., 1984). We know of only one study dealing thoroughly with the extent and significance of carnivores (Herrera, 1989) in seed dispersal of temperate fruit-producing plants. Furthermore, little information is available regarding fruit use by North American carnivorous mammals and the associated potential for seed dispersal. This neglect is curious, because it is well known that many carnivores commonly consume fruits (Davis, 1978; Chapman and Feldhamer, 1982). The fact that early work on seed dispersal placed emphasis on coevolution (Smith, 1970; Snow, 1971; McKey, 1975; Howe and Estabrook, 1977) of fruit and dispersers could explain this neglect. Most temperate carnivores have large home ranges and are nocturnal in habits, making any study of them difficult. Because of this difficulty, most information gathered on carnivores and their possible importance as seed dispersers has been obtained through indirect means: analysis of stomach contents and collection of fecal material and the subsequent analysis of their seed contents (Herrera, 1989). However, little information has been reported regarding seed dispersal potential. Herein we report information gathered on selected carnivorous mammals of the Edwards Plateau of Texas, with respect to fruit use and potential seed dispersal of Ashe juniper (Juniperus ashei) and Texas persimmon (Diospyros texana). Data were collected on the diet of four carnivorous mammals known to include fruits in their diets. Particular importance was given to the season and degree of utilization of these fruits by the carnivores and their potential role in the dispersal of seeds is discussed. MATERIALS AND METHODS-The study was conducted between August 1989 and February 1990 at the Texas A&M University Agricultural Experiment Station at Sonora, Texas. The 1430-ha Station is located 45 km SE of Sonora at approximately 1000W and 300N. Vegetation is generally grassland with scattered individuals or mottes (clumps) of live oak (QuerHWESTERN RALIST 38(2):141-145 E The Southwestern Naturalist TABLE 1--Percent frequency of occurrence (%) and numbers (X ? SD, range) of Ashe juniper and Texas persimmon seeds in carnivore feces collected on the Edwards Plateau, Texas, during the fall and winter months of 1989 and 1990. Texas persimmon Ashe juniper

Duodenal Obstruction associated with Persimmon fruit ingestion by two horses

Duodenal obstruction was diagnosed in two homes pre- sented for necropsy at the Kord Animal Disease Laboratory during the late fall of 1989. The first horse was submitted following a sudden, unexpected death. The second horse had been euthanized after a brief clinical illness consisting of severe, intractable colic. Cause of the obstruction in each case was a bolus composed of green ingesta containing numerous persimmon seeds. The common persimmon is a tree found throughout the South. At maturity, the ripened fruit is highly palatable to foraging animals.

Germination of Texas Persimmon Seed

Germination of Texas Persimmon Seed

Radiopaque phytobezoar; a case report.

THE PRESENCE OF foreign bodies in the stomach has been recognized since the 12th century b.c. They most commonly take the form of bezoars, which is the term applied to the concretions of various substances in this location. Of frequent occurrence in ruminants, they are found only occasionally in man. Bezoars most frequently are formed from vegetable matter or hair. DeBakey and Oohsner classified them according to their content as: (1) trichobezoar (hair ball), (2) phytobezoar (vegetable matter), (3) trichophytobezoar (mixture of vegetable matter and hair), and (4) concretions. Hair balls are usually found in girls and women who have developed the habit of swallowing hair. Phytobezoars are frequently composed of persimmon seeds and skins, so that in this country they are more usual in the Southeast, Middle West, and Southwest. Seeds and skins of other fruits may also produce bezoars, but the slightly under-ripe persimmon appears to be the worst offender. It has been shown experimentally by Chont that persimmons, when not fully ripe, will form bezoars in any solution of decinormal hydrochloric acid, with or without pepsin, but not in water or alkaline solutions. Izumi and his co-workers identified the element producing astringency in the persimmon as soluble shibuol, a phlo-botannin composed of phloroglucin and gallic acid. This substance, which is present in large amounts in the unripe fruit and to a lesser degree under the skin and calyx in the ripened fruit, is transformed under the influence of gastric acid into a sticky coagulum, insoluble shibuol, which cements the pieces of skin and seeds into a ball. Less common bezoars are those due to shellac and to the ingestion of certain medicinal agents. A case is reported by Hamdi in which a smooth crystallized mass found in the stomach of a Turk at necropsy proved upon chemical analysis to be composed chiefly of salol. Kummant reported a gastrolith due to ingestion of bismuth for roentgenologic study. The concrements seen by Meyer, and Singer, and by Fleiner were considered to be due to the therapeutic administration of carbonates of magnesium, sodium, and bismuth for the treatment of peptic ulcer. Holland, with a “vivid recollection” of the first case he observed in 1913, made a definite preoperative diagnosis in a second case the following year. His classical description of the roentgenographic characteristics of this case are worth repeating: “1. Before any food was given it was possible to make out the general shape of the tumor on the screen and to differentiate it from liver, as it was thrown into relief by the gas-distended transverse colon. A plate was taken which clearly showed this. 2. The first mouthfuls of a liquid barium meal remained held up in the cardiac end of the stomach and spread out as if forming a cup to something inside the organ.

Persimmon Seeds for Class Use

Persimmon Seeds for Class Use

Persimmon Seeds for Class Use

Persimmon Seeds for Class Use

REPORT OF A CASE OF A UNIQUE FOREIGN BODY IN THE STOMACH; GASTROTOMY; RECOVERY.

Vendetta R., 10 years of age, resided in Somerset, Ky. On Nov. 17, 1901, she found a persimmon tree loaded with fruit which had just been cut down. It is supposed that she ate largely of the fruit, but no one knew positively in regard to it because she was not under observation at the time. In the evening the patient suffered from severe gastric pain and discomfort. Ordinary home remedies were used to allay this, but as they failed to produce any effect a physician was called the next morning. In answer to his questions the patient acknowledged that she had eaten five persimmons and that she had swallowed some seeds. An emetic was administered which caused some persimmon seeds and other matter to be vomited. The emesis did not give the expected relief from pain. An examination of her abdomen at this time revealed a hard lump in