Improved efficiency in cutting propagation of ‘MKR1’ persimmon dwarfing rootstock using peat pots and peat pellets

•Peat pots and peat pellets were tested for the rooting of ‘MKR1’ softwood cuttings.•Peat pots produced a similar rooting percentage as those in plastic pots.•Leaf trimming affected the rooting percentage and root growth of the cuttings.•Mixing peat with perlite increased rooting percentages and root growth.•Cuttings treated with 2000 mg L−1 K-NAA quick-dip had highest peat pellet rooting.