Persimmon Tree

Diospyros spp.

1. Identification and origin

The persimmon tree (Diospyros spp.) is a genus of the Ebenaceae family that includes several fruit-bearing species, the most widely cultivated being the Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki L. f.). The species is native to China and Japan, where it has been cultivated for more than two thousand years. It produces modified berry-type fruits, known as persimmons or kakis, highly prized for fresh consumption and processing.

2. Economic importance

The persimmon tree has growing economic importance in regions with a Mediterranean and subtropical climate. The fruits are valued for fresh consumption, drying and the food industry. The crop has gained ground in Portugal, with the expansion of modern orchards and non-astringent varieties.

3. Botanical characterisation

A medium-sized deciduous tree with a rounded crown. The leaves are simple, entire, glossy and leathery. The flowers are unisexual or hermaphroditic, depending on the variety, and not very showy. The fruit is fleshy, globose or flattened, and may be astringent or non-astringent. The root system is deep but sensitive to waterlogged soils.

4. Soil and climate requirements

It prefers warm temperate climates, with long, dry summers. It tolerates moderate cold but is sensitive to late frosts, especially in early varieties. It develops best in deep, well-drained soils, slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0). It is relatively drought-tolerant but benefits from regular irrigation to ensure size and quality.

5. Main pests

• Fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata): direct damage to the fruits.
• Scale insects (Coccoidea): sap sucking and honeydew production.
• Aphids (Aphididae): leaf curling and transmission of viruses.
• Moths (Cryptoblabes gnidiella, Anarsia lineatella): damage to fruits and branches.
• Nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.): root galls and plant decline.

6. Main diseases

• Anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.): black spots and rots on the fruits.
• Alternaria blight (Alternaria alternata): leaf necrosis and post-harvest rot.
• Root rots (Phytophthora spp.): wilting and death of plants.
• Bacterial canker (Pseudomonas syringae): necrosis and death of branches.
• Leaf spot caused by Cercospora spp.: circular lesions and premature leaf drop.

7. General crop management

Management includes choosing varieties adapted to the local climate, especially regarding frost sensitivity. Pruning should favour the entry of light and the renewal of fruiting branches. Irrigation should be moderate, avoiding waterlogging. Monitoring of fruit fly, scale insects and anthracnose is essential to ensure commercial quality. Harvesting should be carried out at the optimal point of ripeness, avoiding mechanical damage and post-harvest losses.

Bibliographic references

• EPPO Global Database – Diospyros spp.
• CABI Crop Compendium – Diospyros kaki.
• Yonemori, K., Sugiura, A., & Yamada, M. (2000). Persimmon. In: Temperate Fruit Crop Breeding. Springer.
• FAO (2014). Persimmon production and crop management guidelines. FAO Plant Production and Protection Division.
• Ferguson, L., & Arpaia, M. L. (1990). Horticultural reviews – Persimmon. Wiley.