Grygorieva O. Species of the genus Diospyros L. in the Forest-Steppe of Ukraine: introduction, biological characteristics, reproduction.

Dissertation is devoted to the study of bioecological features of three species of the genus Diospyros L., namely: D. kaki Thunb., D. lotus L., D. virginiana L. under the conditions of Forest-Steppe of Ukraine. Cultured and natural habitats, history of introduction, status and prospects for persimmon varieties in the world and in Ukraine, are analyzed. The phenological phase of growth and development and their dependence on the sums of effective temperatures, flowering, fertility and viability of pollen, and winter and draught resistance productivity are investigated. The results of the research of interspecific variability are presented, coefficients of variation, is defined the most stable quantitative morphological characteristics of some organs are determined. Morphological characteristics of spiracular apparatus of leaves are determined in connection with draught resistance. The data of biochemical evaluation of generative and vegetative organs of persimmon species are given. The methods of seed and vegetative reproduction are developed, the optimal terms for reproduction are determined. The assess of success introduction, cultivation and prospects for persimmon under the conditions of Forest-Steppe steppes of Ukraine is done. It was shown that the species D. virginiana and its varieties, and D. lotus is suitable for cultivation, D. kaki needs for winter protection and further breeding for hardiness.