Persimmon Leaf Damage
People may find a persimmon tree on an old farm or homesite and not recognize it or its orange fruit. Once a favorite, persimmon fruit is sweet when ripe but bitterly astringent when not. Although usually a self-sufficient tree, the gardener may notice leaf damage. Does this Spark an idea?
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Species
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Persimmon trees are common to Asia and North America. The American species, Diospyros virginiana, grows from Connecticut to Florida and west to Iowa and Texas. These persimmons have either male or female flowers. Trees of both sexes are usually required to produce fruit. The Asian persimmon, D. kaki, is appreciated for its smaller stature and superior fruit. Many varieties have perfect flowers with both male and female parts, so only one tree is needed for fruit production.
Culture
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Persimmons are easy to grow and usually self-sufficient once established. The tree tolerates a wide range of soil and site conditions, but give a new persimmon moist, well-drained soil in full sun. They need slightly acidic soil, about 6.0 to 6.5 pH. Fertilize young, growing trees with a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, in the early spring and midsummer.
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Leaf Damage
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The persimmon psyllid, a tiny insect, similar to aphid, feeds on persimmon leaves. Affected leaves roll and curl upon themselves. Natural predators and beneficial parasites usually keep persimmon psyllid from severely affecting trees, so treatment is not usually recommended. Oriental persimmons especially are relatively free of insect problems.
Tips
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If persimmon psyllid is a problem in your area, plant one of the many varieties of Oriental persimmon. If psyllid damage is severe enough to warrant control, use a pesticide labeled for use on fruit trees.
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References
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