The European germplasm collections hold 160 accessions distributed among Italy and Spain, and large repositories are located in Turkey and Israel. Molecular markers were successfully applied in accession distinctness of local varieties in Italy and Spain. The varietal assortment in the Mediterranean area is very limited and production is based on 'Kaki Tipo' (PVNA-Pollination Variant Non Astringent), 'Rojo Brillante' (PCA-Pollination Constant Astringent) and 'Triumph' (PVA-Pollination Variant Astringent) in Italy, Spain and Israel respectively. Persimmon breeding is hindered by high ploidy, peculiar sex expression and narrow genetic variability of the (PCNA-Pollination Constant Non Astringent) group. Programs are carried out in Japan, China, Korea, countries of the former USSR and Brazil. In the Mediterranean area, breeding started in 1971 in Italy. A program on clonal selection is being carried out in Turkey, while in Israel breeding activities have been reduced and Spain is getting started on its own program.