The influence of the planting scheme on the development and productivity of persimmon (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) in the humid subtropics of Russia

Cultivars of persimmons ‘Jiro’, ‘Hyakume (Hiakume)’, ‘Zenjimaru’, ‘Hachiya (Hatia)’, and ‘Sidles’ on the Diospyros lotus rootstocks were used in this study. The plot is located at an altitude of 500 m a.s.l. with a slope steepness of 3-7° and 10-12°. Three planting schemes: 6×5 (control), 6×4 and 6×3 m; the number of trees, respectively, is 333, 417 and 555 pieces ha^-1. As a result, data on the influence of the planting scheme on the growth, development of trees, leaf surface, yield and marketable quality of fruits were obtained. It was found that the highest yield (kg tree^-1) was obtained when plants were placed 6×5 m, and the highest yield (5-8 ton ha^-1) was obtained with a planting scheme of 6×3 m, i.e., the increase in the productivity of the garden is proportional to the number of plants per hectare. The soil moisture in the meter layer on the slopes is 10-15% lower than on the plains. The cultivars that practically do not react to moisture deficiency are identified, since their water-holding capacity is higher than that of the others. These indicate ‘Jiro’ and ‘Sidles’ are worse than ‘Hyakume (Hiakume)’, ‘Zenjimaru’, and ‘Hachiya (Hatia)’. ‘Jiro’ and ‘Sidles’ can be recommended for the cultivation on slopes, and the rest on a plain or a small height difference.