In spring, 2000, an effort to establish an American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) germplasm collection was initiated at the Southwest Center. The objective is simply to provide a display and raise awareness of the many very high quality native persimmon cultivars available, while allowing for evaluation of the various cultivars under southwest Missouri conditions. Improved persimmon cultivars have significantly larger, more colorful, flavorful, and extra-sweet fruit with far fewer seeds compared to wild trees. Some even produce fruit that ripens in late summer (instead of fall) with little or no astringency. Others may be extra productive, faster-growing and disease resistant. A few recent hybrids have been produced by crossing the American persimmon with the Asian Kaki persimmon (D. kaki), which we will also evaluate. Once established and fruiting, a variety of fruit quality, processing, breeding, and other studies may be initiated.

In fall, 1996, ripe fruits and seeds were collected from 'Yates' persimmon and sown in raised beds at the Southwest Center. In spring 1998, twelve seedlings were transplanted into a site at the Center with a 30 by 30-foot spacing. Two additional seedling trees were transplanted in spring, 2001. In November, 2002, seven additional trees were established by sowing seeds of Claypool B101 persimmon (a variety believed to produce good, vigorous seedlings). All have germinated and / or survived so that we now have 21 trees in the study.

In May, 2000, much of the collection was established by grafting onto the seedling trees. While most grafts were successful, a few have since broken off or were purposely cut off and changed to different cultivars. Grafting continued in 2004. We presently have 17 of the 21 trees grafted and will continue grafting trees until all are established. A few fruits were produced in 2003 and 2004. Following is a list of the 17 persimmon cultivars now established at the Southwest Center.

17 Persimmon Cultivars now Established at the Southwest Center

Claypool A-33
Claypool A-118
Claypool C-100
Claypool F-25
Claypool F-100 male
Claypool H-118
Claypool H-128
Dollywood (Claypool D-128)
Early Golden
Garretson
John Rick
Killen
Lena
Rosseyanka (D. virginiana X D. kaki hybrid)
Wabash
Weber
Yates (Juhl)