ISHS Acta Horticulturae 601: II International Persimmon Symposium
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT DEGREES OF DEFOLIATION ON FRUIT GROWTH AND RESERVE ACCUMULATION IN YOUNG 'FUYU' TREES |
| Authors: | S.T. Choi, D.S. Park, W.D. Song, S.M. Kang, G.M. Shon |
| Keywords: | persimmon, Diospyros kaki, nonstructural carbohydrates, nitrogenous compounds, leaf-to-fruit ratio, inorganic elements |
| Abstract:
This study was conducted to understand how much the early loss of leaves could affect fruit growth and reserve accumulation in pot-grown 4-year-old Fuyu trees. Leaves were 0 (control), 25. 50, 75 and 100% defoliated on September 7, resulting in a leaf-to-fruit ratio of 19, 15, 10, 5, and 0, respectively. Fresh weight of the fruits, harvested on October 31, ranged from 190 g in control trees to 146 g in 100% defoliated trees. However, there was no statistical differences in fruit weight, color, firmness and sugar concentrations among the treatments. Exceptions were observed in the fruits from 100% defoliated trees, being smaller, softer and less sweet than those from other trees. Trees were harvested in early December. Dry weight of tree parts, especially that of the roots, decreased as the severity of defoliation increased. As percentages of defoliation increased, concentrations of soluble sugars and starch decreased in both parts of the tree. Significant decreases in the concentrations of soluble sugars were observed only in 100% defoliated trees, whereas those of starch were observed in 75% and 100% defoliated trees. Greater than a 10-fold difference in concentrations of non-structural carbohydrates was observed between 0% and 100% defoliation. However, defoliation up to 50% of the leaves did not affect carbohydrate concentrations to the level of significance. On the other hand, there was no clear relationship between the degree of defoliation and the concentrations of amino acids, soluble proteins, Kjeldahl nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium in woody parts of the tree. | |
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