Phenology, yield and fruit quality of four persimmon (Diospyros kaki L.) cultivars in So Paulos Midwest countryside, Brazil

The aim of this study is to evaluate the phenology, yield and fruit physicochemical characteristics of four persimmon cultivars (Diospyros kaki L.) in Sao Paulo’s Midwest countryside, Brazil. The persimmon cultivars studied were ‘Pomelo’, ‘Rama Forte’, ‘Fuyu’ and ‘Rubi’. The main phenological phases of persimmons trees were evaluated. Despite significant differences between cultivars in the early and intermediate stages of the plants development such as branch development, full blossom and fruiting’s onset, the time required between the fruit’s pruning and harvesting was similar among the cultivars. It could be observed that only ‘Pomelo’ persimmon trees presented male flowers. However on ‘Rubi’, ‘Fuyu’ and ‘Rama Forte’ persimmons trees were found the largest number of female flowers, fruits fixation index and number of fruits per branch. Nevertheless, there were no differences among the cultivars regarding productivity, which could be due to the persimmon fruits physical characteristics. The fruits’ diameter growth behavior was evaluated and it was observed that all cases were defined as double sigmoidal, defined by three single phases. Regarding the chemical characteristics, there were no differences among the cultivars’ pH and soluble solids content; however, in general, the ‘Pomelo’ persimmon fruit presented less titratable acidity and a higher maturation index rating. Key words: Fruit growth, fruit set, flowering, double sigmoid, maturity.