Pests and pathogens of persimmon collection in Nikita Botanical Gardens

Nikita Botanical Gardens is one of the oldest scientific institutions well-known outside Russia. Due to hard work of several generations of scientists, the unique persimmon collection (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) included 120 cultivars and perspective hybrid forms of this subtropical crop have been collected here. Soil-climatic conditions of the southern coast of the Crimean peninsula are quite suitable for successful acclimatization of persimmon. Two species of pests and nine species of pathogen damaging plants and fruits of persimmon have been determined during the 70-year studying period of this species. Low air humidity, the distinguish feature of the Crimea, is the natural barrier that prevents the active development of some fungal pathogens of cultivated fruit crop. However, in some epiphytotic years when the conditions are quite favorable for intensification of fungal pathogens Phomopsis diospyri Bong. and Botrytis diospyri Br. of fruits can be a serious threat for future harvest. Just in this time the quantity growth of Pseudococcus maritimus Ehrh. and Coccus herperidum L. has been marked. Active work on monitoring of general state and working out measures for protecting persimmon plants from well-known and new pests and pathogens has been done to control collection in Nikita Botanical Gardens. Chemicals are the most effective for controlling pests and pathogens of agricultural plants but their use cause considerable damage to the environment and lead to the formation of resistant forms of phytopathogens. That is why in this research the special attention was given to the selection and use of ecologically not very dangerous preparations allowing a substantial reduction of pesticide content in agrocoenosis.