1 Research field

Persimmon Research Team conducts researches on collection and evaluation of Persimmon resources, new variety breeding,  efficient cultivation, and persimmon comprehensive utilizations.

2 Research progress

2.1 Fundamental research

Our team sequenced the chloroplast genomes of five Diospyros species by taking advantages of the collecting resources. D. oleifera Cheng was identified as a model research species for D. kaki Thunb. The entire genomes of D. oleifera and D. kaki were sequenced to study the origins of D. kaki. The team also studied the changes in genetic expression and hormone regulation mechanism of sex differentiation in persimmon, which revealed a sex differentiation genetic law and its environmental response mechanism. Consequently, the key hormones and genes that regulated persimmon flower sex differentiation were determined. Additional basic physiological and molecular researches associated with the formation of adventitious roots were carried out, so was the material basis of persimmon fruit quality.

2.2 Resource collection and evaluation, and breeding new varieties

The team collected and preserved 733 copies of persimmon germplasm worldwide, including 219 samples of wild resources and 466 of cultivated varieties. The team has built the largest germplasm resource bank (80 mu or 5.3 ha) for Diospyros spp. , which preserved the largest quantities of wild resources (219 species) in China. This resource bank laid a solid foundation for long-term persimmon breeding research and off-site protected the precious wild persimmon resources. A systematic evaluation of resource phenotypes, composition, and genetic diversity was completed. Four evaluation models were established to assess fresh persimmon edibility, persimmon leaf processing, and male resources. The team selected 165 excellent varieties for fruit usage (edibility and processing of non-astringent and astringent persimmon), leaf usage, pollination, and other usages. Three new variety were issued national protection rights. Seven improved varieties were approved by its fresh edibility, processing capacity, and both ornamental and fruit plus timber uses.. Three breeding populations were established aimed at various breeding targets.

2.3 Research on efficient cultivation and comprehensive development & utilization

The team established the Y-shaped, U-shaped and root-limiting cultivation modes and built three corresponding demonstration plots in experimental base of our institute. The team also developed a series of Persimmon products, such as freeze-dried persimmon, persimmon leaf facial mask, and high VC persimmon leaf tea. The freeze-dried persimmon received “Top 10 Quality Products” Award of  Ninth National Persimmon Industry Seminar.

3 Research achievements

The team has conducted over 20 research projects. Nine varieties were approved, three of them were issued national new variety protection rights. Our team proposed a national forestry industry standard and a Henan provincial standard, received four authorized invention patents, published one monograph and 48 scientific research papers, of which eight articles were included in the Science Citation Index (SCI). The team hosts the National Innovation Alliance of Persimmon Industry.