The Persimmon Plantation Quiz Quiz

Explore key practices, species, and challenges of cultivating persimmons in horticultural agriculture. Assess your understanding of site selection, propagation, varieties, pest management, and harvesting techniques.

1. Site Selection for Persimmons

   Which condition is most important when choosing a site for planting persimmon trees commercially?

   1. Acidic bog-like soil
   2. Well-drained soil with full sunlight
   3. Heavy shade throughout the day
   4. Low-lying areas with frequent flooding

   Explanation: Persimmon trees require well-drained soil and abundant sunlight for optimal growth and fruiting. Low-lying and frequently flooded areas can cause root diseases. Heavy shade reduces photosynthesis and fruit production. Acidic, bog-like soils often lack proper aeration and nutrients needed by persimmons.

2. Persimmon Varieties

   Which of the following is a commonly grown non-astringent persimmon variety suitable for commercial orchards?

   1. Tamopan
   2. Fuyu
   3. Hachiya
   4. Sharon

   Explanation: Fuyu is a popular non-astringent persimmon cultivar favored for its sweet flavor and firmness at harvest. Hachiya and Tamopan are astringent varieties requiring full ripeness for palatability. 'Sharon' often refers to a processed or trademarked persimmon product rather than a common orchard variety.

3. Persimmon Propagation Methods

   A farmer wants to propagate persimmons with predictable fruit quality; which technique is most reliable?

   1. Grafting
   2. Random division
   3. Seed sowing
   4. Air layering

   Explanation: Grafting allows growers to replicate desirable fruit qualities by joining scion wood from selected trees onto rootstock, ensuring genetic consistency. Seed sowing leads to genetic variability. Air layering is less common for persimmons and more suited to some ornamentals. Random division does not apply to persimmons, which are trees, not clumping plants.

4. Pest and Disease Concerns

   One common pest threatening persimmon trees in orchards is:

   1. Grape phylloxera
   2. Codling moth
   3. Persimmon psylla
   4. Colorado potato beetle

   Explanation: Persimmon psylla is a known pest that specifically targets persimmon trees, causing defoliation and reduced yields. Codling moth is primarily an apple pest. Colorado potato beetle affects solanaceous crops. Grape phylloxera targets grapevines, not persimmons.

5. Harvest Timing

   For optimal fruit quality, at what stage should non-astringent persimmons generally be harvested?

   1. When fully colored, but still firm
   2. When fruit is overripe and soft
   3. Before the leaves change color
   4. When fruit is green and hard

   Explanation: Non-astringent persimmons like 'Fuyu' are typically harvested when fully colored and still firm to preserve texture and shelf life. Harvesting green and hard fruits results in poor quality and flavor. Overripe, soft fruit may be damaged during handling. Leaf color is unrelated to ideal harvest timing.