Selection of suitable pollinizers for some persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) genotypes

The most important problem in persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) cultivation is heavy fruit drop. This can be caused either by poor maintenances and negative ecological conditions during fruit development or unsatisfactory pollination and fertilization. In this study, we aim to determine the most suitable pollinizer cultivars that can affect the fruit set and fruit quality features for persimmons.Research was carried out in 2010 vegetation period with 17 years old persimmon trees in the Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Cukurova?s Persimmon Research Field. In the search, the common non-astringent cultivars Fuyu, Giant Fuyu, O?Gosho and 31 TH 03 local variety were used as main cultivars; Bruniquel, Ghora Gali, Mandarino and Mercatelli as pollinator cultivars.In laboratory tests of pollen vitality, germination and quantity, it was determined that the quality of these four cultivars is satisfactory for a pollinator. In accordance with laboratory tests, Ghora Gali and Mercatelli have been faund that have the best pollinizer qualitiesWith the study determining fruit drop rate, it was found that fruit drop was high in 2 months. After 2 months, in july, the rate of fruit drop decreased or completely stopped. With hand pollination treatments the fruit drop was reduced as compared to free pollination and isolation treatments. In terms of this, while Ghora Gali becomes the best pollinator for Fuyu, Giant Fuyu and O?Gosho; for 31 TH 03 it becomes Mandarino.As a result of the study we found that the treatments didn?t affect fruit quality like TSS, pH and acidity. However, pollination treatments increased seed number and in consequence increased fruit set.