Breeding of ‘Migamjosaeng’ (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) Early-Maturing Sweet Persimmon with High Quality

‘Migamjosaeng’ (Diospyros kaki Thunb.) is a new pollination-variant non-astringent type (PVNA) persimmon cultivar developed by Sweet Persimmon Research Institute of Gyeongnam Agricultural Research & Extension Services. This cultivar was selected among the seedlings obtained from the cross between ‘Mazumotowase-Fuyu’ and ‘Nishimurawase’ in 1995. The seedlings were cultivated from 1996 to 2001 and ‘Migamjosaeng’ was selected in 2002. The tree growth habit and fruit characteristics of ‘Migamjosaeng’ were investigated from 2004 to 2007. The tree growth habit was moderate vigor and showed spreading shape. Flowers bloomed only in female flowers. The flowering time was similar to that of ‘Nishimurawase’ (control) in late May, but the harvest time was about 3 days earlier than ‘Nishimurawase’ in late September. ‘Migamjosaeng’ is characterized by its beautiful orange skin color with round flat shape of fruits. Average fruit size was about 160g. Soluble solids were 16.6°Brix and higher than that of control (14.5°Brix), which contributed to its excellent tastiness. It was noteworthy that occurrence of calyx-end cracked fruits and striped fruit was very rare compared with the control. Therefore, ‘Migamjosaeng’ trees produced marketable fruits much higher than the control tree. Flesh firmness was slightly high and similar to ‘Nishimurawase’.