PERSIMMON CULTIVAR ‘MEADER’ IN THE FOOTHILL ZONE OF THE REPUBLIC OF ADYGEA

Due to the testing of non-traditional subtropical crops for the region, such as pawpaw, jujube, persimmon and others, cultivation of fruit plants in the foothill zone of the Republic of Adygea has become possible as a result of climate change processes. The study of thermophilic crops introduction is relevant and promising in the republic, especially for private gardening. Among the listed crops, persimmon occupies a leading position in terms of frost resistance, resistance to pests and diseases, and fruit value. The importance of these fruits lies in their valuable nutritional qualities for both conventional and dietary nutrition, as well as for industrial processing. In addition, unlike fruits traditionally grown in the region, persimmons do not yet require intensive chemical protection against pests and diseases. In 2013, the Adygei Branch of FRC SSC of RAS laid a persimmon cultivars collection (‘Meader’, ‘MVG Omarova’, ‘Hiakume’, ‘Rossiyanka’, ‘Nikitskaya bordovaya’, ‘Roman Kosh’, ‘Gora Goverla’, ‘Gora Rogers’ and seedlings of common persimmon). The purpose of the research is to study the features of phenology, growth processes and fruiting patterns in the soil and climatic conditions of the foothill zone specific for the Republic of Adygea, using the example of Meader’ cultivar, which is characterized by winter hardiness and resistance to temperature drop in winter. Studies have shown that trees of this cultivar can withstand temperature drops to –24.8 o C in the foothills without damage to lignified shoots and vegetative buds, due to late vegetation. The fruits ripen in October. The fruits are medium-sized, weighing 70 g, have a good taste and flavour.