In Vitro Propagation of Japanese Persimmon

Dormant bud explants taken from mature trees of Japanese persimmon cv. Hiratanenashi were established successfully on modified Murashige and Skoog's medium with nitrate reduced to half-strength [MS (½NO 3 )] or woody plant medium, both supplemented with 22.2 μM (5 mg°liter −1 ) BA. Shoot proliferation in subcultures also was best at 22.2 μM (5 mg°liter −1 ) BA in MS (½NO 3 ) medium, but growth was of the rosette type. Shoot elongation, however, was stimulated the most in the same medium supplemented with 24.6 μM (5 mg°liter −1 ) 2iP instead of BA. Rooting of the proliferated shoots was enhanced by the treatment with IBA at 1.23 mM (250 mg°liter −1 ). Chemical names used: N -(phenylmethyl)-1 H -purin-6-amine (BA), N -(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-1 H -purin-6-amine (2iP), 1 H -indole-3-butanoic acid (IBA).