CHARACTERIZATION AND EVALUATION OF SOME NEWLY INTRODUCED POMEGRANATE (Punica granatum L.) GERMPLASM ACCESSIONS. Thesis SUPARNA SINHA

Transcription

1 CHARACTERIZATION AND EVALUATION OF SOME NEWLY INTRODUCED POMEGRANATE (Punica granatum L.) GERMPLASM ACCESSIONS Thesis by SUPARNA SINHA Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE (HORTICULTURE) FRUIT SCIENCE 1985 COLLEGE OF HORTICULTURE Dr Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni Solan (HP) INDIA 2014

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3 Dr. DINESH S. THAKUR Sr. Scientist Department of Fruit Science Dr Y S Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP) CERTIFICATE I This is to certify that the thesis entitled Characterization and evaluation of some newly introduced pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) germplasm accessions, submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE (HORTICULTURE) FRUIT SCIENCE to Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP) is a bonafide research work carried out by Ms. Suparna Sinha (H M) under my guidance and supervision. No part of this thesis has been submitted for any other degree or diploma. The assistance and help received during the course of investigations have been fully acknowledged. Place: Nauni, Solan Dated: Dr Dinesh S Thakur Chairman, Advisory Committee

4 CERTIFICATE - II This is to certify that thesis entitled, Characterization and evaluation of some newly introduced pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) germplasm accessions, submitted by Ms. Suparna Sinha (H M) to Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP) in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE (HORTICULTURE) FRUIT SCIENCE has been approved by the student s advisory committee after an oral examination of the same in collaboration with the external examiner. Dr Dinesh S Thakur Sr. Scientist Chairman, Advisory Committee External Examiner Members of Advisory Committee Dr K Kumar Dr Vishal S Rana Dr R K Dogra (Professor) (Sr. Scientist) (Asstt. Professor) Dean s Nominee Professor and Head Department of Fruit Science Dean College of Horticulture

5 CERTIFICATE III This is to certify that all the mistakes and errors pointed out by the external examiner have been incorporated in the thesis entitled Characterization and evaluation of some newly introduced pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) germplasm accessions, submitted by Ms. Suparna Sinha (H M) to Dr. Yashwant Singh Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan (HP), in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE (HORTICULTURE) FRUIT SCIENCE. Dr Dinesh S Thakur Chairman, Advisory Committee Dr. N. Sharma Professor and Head Department of Fruit Science Dr. YS Parmar UHF, Nauni, Solan (HP)

6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Whatever Objective a man thinks in his mind and works in that direction, he is able to achieve the same Rig Veda With limitless humility, I am deeply indebted to God - The Almighty, the creator, the supreme power, the divine light, or whatever He/She is, who bestowed me with good health and courage enough to complete this task. With an overwhelming sense of legitimate pride and genuine obligation, I seize this rare opportunity to express my deep sense of gratitude, indebtedness personal regards to my esteemed teacher and chairman of my Advisory Committee, Dr. Dinesh S. Thakur, Senior Scientist, Department of Fruit Science, for showing me the real path of sincerity, dedication and Karma. His invaluable and flawless guidance, painstaking efforts, encouragement, constructive criticism in accomplishing this venture are heartily acknowledged. I emphatically express my worthy and venerable thanks to Dr. N. sharma, Professor and Head, Department of Fruit Science and member of my Advisory Committee for his valuable help, and indispensable suggestions at every step during the course of investigations. Special thanks are also due to Dr. P. S. Chauhan (former Head of Department of Fruit Sciences) for his valuable help and suggestions. I express my sincere and heartiest gratitudes to Dr. K. Kumar (Professor, Department of Fruit Sciences), Dr. R. K. Dogra (Assistant Professor, Department of Fruit Sciences) and Dr. Vishal S. Rana (Scientist, Deparment of Fruit Sciences) the worthy members of my Advisory Committee for their impeccable help, expert guidance and invaluable suggestions during the entire course of my study. Jovial company of my seniors and friends Dr. Manpreet, Donald M Sangma, Dr. Era Vaidya Bandna, Munmun Joshi, Jyoti Dhiman and all other friends who helped me, morally boosted me to stride ahead in all adversities and hardtimes is duly acknowledged. I am yet to find suitable words to express my heartiest gratitude to my loving father and mother. I seize this opportunity to express my sentiments and sense of gratitute to my younger brothers Anugrah Singh and Anirudh Singh. I solely claim all the responsibilities for the shortcomings and limitations in this work. Place: Nauni Date: (Suparna Sinha)

7 CONTENTS Chapter Title Page 1. INTRODUCTION REVIEW OF LITERATURE MATERIALS AND METHODS EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS DISCUSSION SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION REFERENCES ABSTRACT 80 APPENDIX I

8 LIST OF TABLES Table Title Page 1. Plant growth characteristics of pomegrante germplasm 39 accessions during Foliage characteristics of different pomegranate germplasm accessions during Time and duration of flowering in different pomegranate germplasm accessions during Pollen viability and in vitro pollen germination in some pomegranate germplasm accessions 5. Flower characters of different pomegranate germplasm accessions during Physical characteristics of fruits and arils of some pomegranate germplasm accessions during Biochemical characteristics of fruits of pomegranates germplasm accessions during Time of maturity, days taken from full bloom to maturity and yield per plant of some pomegranate germplasm accessions during LIST OF PLATES Plate Title Between Pages 1. Pollen viability in different stains In vitro pollen germination a. Fruit and aril characteristics of pomegranate accessions b. Fruit and aril characteristics of pomegranate accessions c. Fruit and aril characteristics of pomegranate accessions d. Fruit and aril characteristics of pomegranate accessions 50-51

9 ABBREVIATIONS USED IN MANUSCRIPT ANOVA : Analysis of variance Brix : Degree Brix Cm : Centimeter CD : Critical Difference cv.(s) : Cultivar (s) ⁰C : Degree centigrade E : East et al. : et alia (Co workers) E-W : East-West G : Gram Ha : Hectare i.e. : Id est (that is) Kg : Kilogram Mg : Milligram Ml : Milliliter Mm : Millimeter MSL : Mean Sea Level MT : Metric ton No. : Number N-S : North-South % : Per cent Lbs : Pounds Sr. : Serial T : Ton TSS : Total Soluble Solids viz. : Videlicet (namely)

10 Chapter-1 INTRODUCTION Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), a member of family Punicaceae, is a favourite table fruit of the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is native to the area from Iran to the Himalayas in Northern India and has been cultivated and naturalized over the whole Mediterranean region since ancient times (Holland et al., 2009). Pomegranate is one of the hardest fruit crops, round or spherical in shape, with a fleshy, tubular calyx and leathery skin often deep pink or rich red in colour (Morton, 1987). Pomegranate is liked for its cool refreshing juice and valued for its medicinal properties. Epidemiological studies have suggested that consumption of red fruit juice, such as grape, berry and pomegranate juices, correlates with reduce risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, certain types of cancers and aging (Malik et al., 2006). Pomegranate juice is one of the important sources of anthocyanins (cyaniding, delphinidin and pelargonidin), which give the fruit and aril its red colour, and some of the phenolics and tanins (such as punicalin, pedunculagin and ellagic acid) (Kulkarni & Aradhya, 2005). Pomegranate juice was shown to possess a 3-fold higher antioxidant activity than that of red wine or green tea (Gil et al., 2000), and 2-, 6- and 8-fold higher levels than those deteched in grape/cranberry, grapefruit and orange juice, respectively (Rosenblat et al., 2006). The edible part of fruit contains considerable amount of acids, sugar, vitamins, polysaccharides, polyphenols and minerals (Kulkarni et al., 2004). As for many fruit species, pomegranate varieties differ in their taste, ranging from sweet to sour (Holland et al., 2009) and this is related directly to the quality and quantity of the organic acids and sugars in the fruit. Thus, pomegranate has become more popular because of its health-promoting phytonutritional content (Adams et al., 2006). Exact date of introduction in India is not known but it was established and thus became naturalized very early in Western India (Prayag, 1940). The cultivation of the pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is mainly confined to semi-arid mild-temperate to subtropical climate and pomegranates are 1

11 naturally adapted to regions with hot summers and cool winters, such as Mediterranean countries, Afghanistan, Iran, India, China, Japan and United States (Stover & Mercure, 2007). Pomegranate can be grown throughout India but due to its better adaptability towards arid climate, the commercial cultivation is being done in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Rajasthan. Other states where it is grown to lesser extent are Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Various cultivars have been recommended for commercial cultivation in India i.e. Ganesh and Muscat in Maharashtra, Dholka in Gujrat, Jalor Seedless, Jodhpuri Red, Jodhpuri White and Seedless Bedana in Rajasthan, Bassien Seedless and Madhurigi in Karnatka, Chawla, Nabha, Country Large Red in Haryana (Hisar), Srinagar Special in valley areas of Garhwall hills. The pomegranate plant is tolerant to many different soil conditions, but thrives well under sunlight and mild winters with minimal temperature not lower than -12 ºC and hot dry summers (Levin, 2006). Fruit trees with best quality fruits are produced in areas with cold winters and hot dry summers. Thus mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh have congenial climate for pomegranate cultivation as wild pomegranate commonly known as Daru is found growing in abundance here. The wild type in Central Asia shows a wide range of variation in size of fruits, sweetness, time of ripening and proportion of seed to flesh (Adsule and Patil, 1995). Pomegranate production in recent times has seen a declining trend associated with number of factors. Despite shortfalls, there is a vast scope to augment pomegranate production through its cultivation in non-conventional areas to meet the demand of not only fresh market but also to meet the need of agro-processing units. Several pomegranate varieties have appeared on world pomegranate map which needs to be tasted under mid-hills condition for the purpose of varietal diversification by bringing into cultivation new genetically improved cultivars in the changed climatic scenario. Stone fruits constitute the major part of total fruit production in mid-hills of Himachal Pradesh. The pomegranate which has high market demand, longer shelf life, versatile 2

12 adaptability, hardy nature, steady and high yield can provide better alternative for stone fruits. Pomegranate has found great potential for diversification and commercial cultivation in Himachal Pradesh in recent years despite of the fact that the varietal array favouring cooler climate is narrow. Although a few cultivars viz., Kandhari, Bedana, Dholka and Spin Danedar have been recommended for Himachal Pradesh (Anonymous, 2000) but increase in area under commercial pomegranate cultivation is very low. Keeping in view the aforesaid facts, a need was felt to introduce and evaluate pomegranate cultivars in conventional as well as in nonconventional areas, which are required to be assessed for their performance before distribution to growers or recommendation for commercial planting. The total area under pomegranate cultivation in Himachal Pradesh is 1709 hectare with the production of 749 MT during ( hphorticulture.nic.in/database.htm). Several types of pomegranate distinguished by shape of the fruit, colour and thickness of the skin, and taste and colour of seed are grown throughout the world. However, few studies have been made to classify or identify types with desirable botanical and agronomical characteristics and their suitability under different ecosystems (Bunkar and Prasad, 1992). Characterization of the available germplasm is a prerequisite for their conservation as well as utilization in the future breeding programmes. Characterization serves the twin purposes of the identification of genotype and estimation of their genetic relatedness. In spite of rich diversity existing in nature, available variability in gene banks is necessary for utilization. Therefore, it is still necessary to carry out selection of superior cultivars adapted to the area, as their edapho-climatic characteristics are quite unique. Keeping in view the aforesaid facts there is need to study for characterization and evaluation of promising type of cultivars specific to mid- hill zones of Himachal Pradesh. 3

13 It is proposed to carry out investigations with respect to growth, floral and fruit characteristics of pomegranate germplasm accessions and to develop descriptors for proper identification and characterization with the following objectives:- i) To assess growth, phenology and fruiting behaviour of pomegranate germplasm accessions. ii) To study the fruit quality characteristics of different pomegranate germplasm accessions. 4

14 Chapter-2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE The present day orcharding is largely dependent on new and improved varieties of fruit crops, owing to the climatic swings which have become a usual phenomenon. Nevertheless, adoption of any new or improved variety by the farmers necessitates its proper characterization and evaluation in the target area. The available literature pertinent to present studies entitle Characterization and evaluation of some newly introduced pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) germplasm accessions has been reviewed as under: 2.1 PLANT CHARACTERS Plant growth characters like plant height, trunk girth, plant spread and growth habit have been used to identify and characterize fruit species and cultivars (Crane and Lawrence, 1956). Nath and Randhawa (1959a) under Delhi conditions observed that in case of evergreen cultivars like Muscat White, Dholka and GB-1; there is cessation of growth only during winters. The vegetative growth begins in first week of March but in deciduous varieties like Kandhari and Patiala new growth start in the mid March. Ten pomegranate cultivars were studied at Anantpur for tree growth characters (Anonymous, 1987). Plants of cultivars Dholka were tallest (2.60 m) and that of Muscat were shortest (1.98 m). Plants of Ganesh and Jodhpur Red were 1.92 m and 2.12 m tall, respectively. Stem girth varied from 15.9 cm in Jodhpur Red to 5.7 cm in Jalore Seedless. Stem girth of Ganesh was 9.40 cm. Maximum plant spread (2.44 m) was in cultivar Virupakshi and minimum (1.53 m) in Jalore Seedless. Plant spread of Ganesh and Jodhpur Red was 1.95 m and 1.91 m, respectively. In a varietal evaluation trial at Rahuri (Anonymous, 1988), Ganesh and G- 137 recorded longest petioles i.e mm and 7.40 mm, respectively. In most of 5

15 the varieties under study petioles were longer than 4.50 mm. Maximum leaf size ( cm) was in Kandhari followed by Ganesh ( cm) and G- 137 ( cm) and minimum ( cm) in Tobesto. Jagtap et al. (1992) described three classes of growth habit on the basis of spread to height ratio i.e. erect (0.80), semi-spreading (0.81 to 1.00) and spreading (1.00). Accordingly, Ganesh and G-137 were classified as spreading and Jodhpur Red as erect. Prasad and Bankar (2000) in a varietal evaluation programme on nine pomegranate cultivars reported significant intervarietal differences for plant height, stem diameter and plant spread. Maximum plant height (1.96 m) and plant spread (2.01 m) were found in cultivar P-23 whereas maximum stem diameter (3.42 cm) was in Dholka. Minimum plant height (1.47 m), plant spread (1.52 m) and stem diameter (2.10 cm) were recorded in variety GKVK-1. Plant height of Jodhpur Red, Ganesh and G-137 were found to be 1.85 m, 1.59 m and 1.53 m, respectively. Stem diameter was 2.92 cm in Jodhpur Red, 2.70 cm in Ganesh, 2.40 cm in G-137 and the respective plant spread of same varieties was 1.99 m, 1.68 m, 1.64 m. Sharma and Dhillon (2002) conducted studies on evaluation of evergreen cultivars of pomegranate under Punjab conditions at PAU, Ludhiana. The highest (20.00 cm) stem girth was recorded in Ganesh followed by PS-77 and Panipat Selection. The cultivar Moga Local produced tallest trees with an average height of 2.6 m, whereas the shortest (1.25 m) trees were recorded in Bassein Seedless. The mean height of the tree varied from 1.25 m to 2.6 m. Singh et al. (2004) assessed the performance of nine pomegranate cultivars (Ganesh, P-23, P-26, G-137, Dholka, Jodhpur Red, Basein Seedless, Jalore Seedless, GKVK-1) in Haryana, India. They observed that the plant height was highest in Jodhpur Red (2.38 m) and lowest in cultivar Bassein Seedless (1.84 m). Sharma and Bist (2005) conducted evaluation study on eight cultivars (viz. Anar Shirin Mohammad Ali, Chawla, Ganesh, Jodhpur Red, Kandhari Hansi, 6

16 Mridula, G-137 and PS-75-K-5) of pomegranate to assess their performance under mid-hills conditions of Himachal Pradesh. Cultivar Chawla had maximum plant height of 2.33 m and plant spread of 2.20 m whereas, PS-75-K-5 possessed minimum plant height (1.65 m) and plant spread (1.33 m). Stem girth ranged between 1.96 cm in PS-75-K-5 to 3.90 cm in G-137. Chawla was most vigorous and PS-75-K-5 was least vigorous cultivar. Ganesh, Mridula and G-137 had spreading type of growth habit whereas others were erect type. Kandhari Hansi was earliest to show leaf bud break and leaf fall on 12 th February and 8 th November, respectively. PS-75-K-5 was last to show leaf bud break whereas last to reach leaf fall was G-137. Colour of young shoot was observed to be red purple in all the cultivars. However, slight variations in intensity of red purple colour were observed among different cultivars. Mir et al. (2007) evaluated ten pomegranate cultivars for different attributes under temperate conditions of Kashmir. The maximum plant height and spread were recorded in cultivar Kabuli Kandhari ( cm and cm) followed by Chawla ( cm and cm). However, cultivar Mridula showed the minimum plant height and spread cm and cm respectively. The maximum number of suckers were observed in cultivar Bedana (5.11) and minimum in cultivar Mridula (2.88). Rao and Subramanyam (2010) studied the performance of eight varieties (viz. Ganesh, G-137, Muscat, Jodhpur Red, Jalore Seedless, P 23, GKVK 1 and Rubi) of pomegranate under scarce rainfall zone at Horticultural Research Station, Anantapur for 3 years from in 9 years old plants. Out of eight varieties, the average plant height 2.64 m was highest in Jodhpur Red and lowest in GKVK 1 (1.8 m). Maximum number of branches was found in Ganesh (4) whereas minimum number of branches was found to be in GKVK 1(2). Maximum stem girth was to be found in cultivar Ganesh (34.3 cm) whereas it was minimum in Rubi (26.00 cm). Maximum plant spread were observed in cultivar Jalore Seedless (6.4 m 3 ) whereas it was minimum in GKVK 1 (2.6 m 3 ). Meena et al. (2011) evaluated the performance of 24 diverse bearing 8 to 10 years old pomegranate genotypes, both 13 exotic genotypes ( Siah Shirin, 7

17 Achick Dana, Gul-e-Shah, Kazak Anar, Sur Sakkar, Speen Danedar, Speen Sakarin, Kali Shirin, Muscat, Ak Anar, Khog, Bedana Sadana and Shirin Anar ) and as well as eleven indigenous genotypes ( Alandi, Kandhari, Jalore Seedless, Ganesh, P-23, P-26, Bassein Seedless, Dholka, Jyoti, Jodhpur Red and G-137 ) at Experimental orchard of the Division of Fruits and Horticultural Technology, IARI, New Delhi. The genotype Jodhpur Red exhibited the maximum plant height (3.2 m) whereas minimum plant height observed in Jyoti (2.20 m). Maximun E-W plant spread was observed in Jodhpur Red (2.63 m) and it was minimum in Sur Sakkar and Jyoti (1.60 m). Maximum N-S spread was observed in Ganesh (2.53 m) whereas it was observed to be minimum in Sur Sakkar (1.57 m). Seven genotypes were noted to be of spreading type, while the remaining eight and nine were semi spreading and erect type, respectively. Seventeen germplasm accessions of pomegranate collected by Singh et al. (2011) from foot hills of Himachal Pradesh, were evaluated for growth, flowering, fruiting, yield and quality of fruits at CIAH, Bikaner. Out of seventeen collections, fourteen germplasm accessions adopted well to hot arid conditions. The maximum plant height (2.70 m) in Collection No. -17 and minimum height was recorded in Amlidana (1.45 m). Maximum N-S and E-W spread was found in Collection No.- 17 (2.50 m and 2.60 m) and minimum N-S and E-W plant spread was recorded in Amlidana (1.20 m and 1.30 m) respectively. Ten introduced pomegranate cultivars were examined for their performance at Karaj conditions of Iran by Sepahvand et al. (2011). The maximum tree height was observed in Poost Sefide Bihasteh (241.4 cm) lowest in Alake Shirin ( cm). No significant differences were found among Agha Mohammad Ali, Poost Sefide Torsh, Poost Sefide Shirin, Poost Sefide Bihasteh and Shirine Saveh with respect to their trunk diameter. The lowest trunk diameter was observed in Alake Shirin (2.41 cm). Singh (2012) collected thirty accessions / genotypes from various sources to characterize and evaluate pomegranate germplasm under CIAH, Bikaner, Rajasthan. Highest plant height (2.70 m) was recorded in cultivar Khog, whereas, 8

18 minimum (1.70 m) was recorded in Bedana Suri while the average for the germplasm was 2.29 m. A range of variation from 2.87 cm in Kali Sirin to 5.45 cm in Jyoti with an average of 3.97 cm was observed for stem diameter. The cultivar Ak Anar had the largest canopy (2.90 cm across row and 3.1 cm long row) while least spread (1.88 cm across row and 1.54 cm along row) was recorded in Kali Sirin. Maximum thorn length was observed in G-137 (7.8 cm) whereas minimum thorn length was observed in genotype Kabul (3.6 cm). In foliage characteristics, leaf length varied from [4.2 cm (Basein Seedless) to 8.2 cm (Kurvi-2EL-24685)] whereas leaf width varied from [1.6 cm (Kali Sirin) to 2.5 cm (Yarcuad)]. All the 30 genotypes produced leaves having elliptic entire leaf shape. Genotype Jalore Seedless, Yerccuad produced leaf with cuspidate leaf tip. Genotype Ganesh, Bedana suri, GKVK 1, Jyoti, Bedana Thin Skin, Basein Seedless, Dorsetta Malus, Tujetis EC produced leaf having obtuse leaf tip, P-26, Mridula, P-23, Bocheka Lines produced leaf with Mucronate tips, Jodhpur Red, Kabul, Dholka, Muskat, Patna-5, Speen Danedar, Kazaki Anar, Khog, A. K. Anar, Gul-e-Shah and Tabest produced leaf with acute leaf tip while Sirin Anar produced acute cunate leaf tip. Wani et al. (2012) documented the genetic variability in wild genotypes of pomegranate in central Kashmir during intensive survey in districts Srinagar, Ganderbal and Budgam in On the basis of morphological and physicchemical characters, 33 genotypes were characterized. Pomegranate accessions varied significantly in most of their vegetative characters with plant height varying from 2.34 m (SKAU-Pg-Sr-001) to 4.78 m (SKA-Pg-Sr-012). Plant spread was more in SKAU-Pg-Sr-005 (2.47 m) and less in SKAU-Pg-Sr-010 (1.24 m). Suckering capacity showed coefficient of variation of Highest leaf area was in SKAU-Pg-Bd-004 (14.0 cm 2 ) and lowest in SKAU-Pg-Sr-011 (7.48 cm 2 ). 2.2 FLORAL CHARACTERS Nath and Randhawa (1959a) observed that Dholka, Kandhari, Muscat White and Patiala flower once in a year whereas, GB-1, Japanese Dwarf twice and Double Flower flower thrice in a year. Spring flush appeared on mature 9

19 wood of the previous year, whereas flowers of second flush (July-August) appeared on current year s growth. In deciduous varieties flowers were born on current season s growth. Flowers appeared mostly in clusters either terminally or axillary. Flowering behavior of three pomegranate cultivars was studied by Singh et al. (1978). All the varieties exhibited flowering in last week of March. Flowers were born in clusters, situated terminally on previous year s growth. Josan et al. (1979) studied the floral morphology of 21 pomegranate cultivars. Flower size varied from (1.62 cm 1.10 cm) in Kali Shirin to (3.65 cm 1.61 cm) in Surkh Anar. Lowest number of stamens (243) were found in Anar Sirin Mohammad Ali and highest (305) were present in Shirin Anar. Chadha (1983) studied floral biology of seven pomegranate cultivars at Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh). Flowers were borne terminally on previous year s growth and one to two years old spurs. Flowering started in first week of March in the Russian cultivars and in last week of February in all Iranian cultivars. Full bloom was observed in first week of May in all cultivars except Anar Shirin Mohammad Ali, which had full bloom in 3 rd week of April. Flowering duration ranged from 37 to 58 days. Mishra et al. (1983) observed Dholka variety to flower earliest in valley areas of Garhwal hills and flowering period varied from 120 to 130 days. Shulman et al. (1984) reported that in Israel flowering start from mid April and continues for about five weeks. Umrao and Singh (1995) reported that evergreen cultivars (Ganesh and Dholka) planted in central plains of Utter Pradesh showed longest flowering period (Ganesh flowered throughout the year and Dholka flowered February- October), whereas deciduous cultivars flowered from March, April to July, August. Nath and Singh (2000) reported that pomegranate plant bear flowers and fruits throughout the year but three main flowering and fruiting seasons called 10

20 bahars i.e. Ambe bahar (spring season flowering), Mrig bahar (June-July flowering) and Hastha bahar (September-October flowering). Sharma and Bist (2005) carried out an evaluation trial on eight cultivars of pomegranate to assess their performance under mid-hills conditions of Himachal Pradesh. Flowers were born on current season s growth and amongst the cultivars studied the position of inflorescence was varying from terminal to axillary. Flowering was also observed on spurs and solitary in leaf axils. Josan et al. (1979) also reported similar flowering habit in pomegranate. Kandhari Hansi was the earliest to attain full bloom on 10 th April 2001 whereas the last to attain full bloom was Jodhpur Red on 9 th May Duration of flowering varied between 39 days in PS-75-K-5 and 55 days in Jodhpur Red. Full bloom was attained in April and first fortnight of May in different cultivars. Flowering was over in all the cultivars by the end of April but in Ganesh, G-137 and Mridula flowers kept on appearing. Singh et al. (1967) also observed the similar pattern of flowering in different pomegranate cultivars. The maximum duration of flowering and days taken from first flower opening to fruitlet development was recorded in Jyoti ( and days) and minimum duration of flowering was recorded in Mridula (68.11 days) observed by Mir et al. (2007). Twenty four diverse (both exotic and indigenous) eight to ten years old pomegranate genotypes, were evaluated by Meena et al. (2011) in two consecutive years of 2000 and 2001 under Division of Fruits and Horticultural Technology, IARI, New Delhi.. Minimum days for flowering was recorded in Sur Sakkar (16 days), whereas, maximum flowering duration was observed in Dholka (39 days) followed by Bedana Sadana and Muscat (38 days). Singh (2012) characterized and evaluated for superior pomegranate genotypes under arid ecosystem of India. Phenological growth and yield characteristics were observed. Maximum length in male flower was recorded in Bedana Thin Skin (3.15 cm) and minimum in Mridula (1.70 cm). Maximum width of male flower was in Tabest (1.95 cm) and least in Gul-e-Shah (1.20 cm). Maximum length of female flowers were recorded in Basein Seedless (4.20 cm) and minimum size of (2.71 cm) in Bocheka Lines. The maximum breadth of the 11

21 flowers were recorded in Bedana Suri (1.91 cm) and least in Tabest (1.21 cm). Martinez et al. (2000) also observed that heterosity in terms of flower characteristics is a common occurrence in different clones of pomegranate. Except Bedana Suri, Kabul, Kazali Anar, Bocheka Lines, Tabest, Kali Sirin all the cultivars in germplasm produced hermaphrodite flowers, there was wide range of diversity in case of the size of hermaphrodite flowers. Maximum flower size (3.52 cm) was recorded in Ganesh and least length (2.20 cm) in Kurvi-2FL Maximum breadth of hermaphrodite flowers were (1.86 cm) found in Sirin Anar and minimum breadth (1.10 cm) in Muscat and mean value was (1.36 cm). 2.3 POLLEN STUDIES Nath and Randhawa (1959b) reported that pollen fertility in Acetocarmine (2%) was as high as 84 per cent (Kandhari) and germination was best in 12.5 per cent sucrose solution and 12.5 per cent sucrose per cent agar medium (78 per cent). Kar and Singh (1983) studied pollen germination in some exotic pomegranate cultivars. Maximum pollen germination (78 per cent) was recorded in the medium containing per cent sucrose solution followed by 75.0 per cent germination in per cent sucrose per cent agar solution. No pollen germination was recorded with media like 5 per cent and 25 per cent sucrose solution containing 25 ml of water plus 0.5 g gelatin. Pollen fertility varied from per cent (Shirin Anar) to 88 per cent (Kazkai). Chadha (1983) reported per cent pollen germination in per cent sucrose solution in cultivar Kazkai. Pollen germination increased when agaragar was added to the sucrose solution. Ali et al. (1998) studied some pomegranate cultivars viz., Balady Red, Al- Madina, Khob Al Jamil, Taeifi, Hamid aboid, De Jativa, Molar, Banaty, Manfaluti, Mellasy, Succary. Pollen germination in sucrose media (15 % containing 200 mg H 3 BO 4, 100 mg Ca(NO 3 ) 2, 100 mg MgSO 4, 100 mg KNO 3 and 50 mg EDTA) and pollen viability with Acetocarmine solution. Pollen viability in Acetocarmine solution ranged from 60 per cent in Molar to 97 per cent in Banaty. 12

22 Maximum pollen germination was recorded in Banaty (92.52 %) and minimum (68.04 %) in Hamid Abiod while using 15 per cent aqueous sucrose solution. Gozlekci and Kaynak (2000) conducted pollen viability and germination studies on Mediterranean pomegranate cultivars viz. Fellahyemez, Eksilik, Ernar, Hicaznar, Katirbasi and Asinar. The pollen viability was determined in 2, 3, 5- Triphenyl Tetrazolium Chloride (TTC), Fluorescein Diacetate (FDA) and Trypan Blue (TB) solutions by staining. Pollen viability in TTC test varied between 30 to 65 per cent in type A (unfertile) flowers and dispersed between 22 to 61 per cent in B (fertile) type flowers. The pollen germination experiments in in vitro conditions were conducted by using agar in petri plate method with 10 per cent sucrose per cent agar + 5 ppm boric acid. Pollen germination ranged from to per cent in type A flowers and to per cent in type B flowers. Sharma and Bist (2003) studied pollen characters and pollination behavior in eight year old trees of eight pomegranate cultivars (Anar Shirin Mohammad Ali, Chawla, Jodhpur Red, Kandhari Hansi, Mridula, Ganesh, G-137 and PS-75- K-5) grown under Nauni, Solan conditions of Himachal Pradesh. Pollen morphology, viability and fertility and fruit set using various pollination methods (selfing by bagging, open or natural pollination and artificial cross pollination) were evaluated. Pollen viability was tested in 2 per cent Acetocarmine and 1 per cent Tetrazolium salt solution whereas pollen germination was studied by hanging drop method using sucrose solution at various concentrations (5, 10, 12.50, 15 and 20 per cent) with or without boric acid (10 ppm). Pollen viability in Acetocarmine solution ranged from per cent (Mridula) to per cent (G-137). In Tetrazolium salt solution, pollen viability varied from per cent (Mridula) to per cent (Jodhpur Red). The highest pollen germination (72.05 %) was observed in G-137 with per cent sucrose + 10 ppm boric acid solution. Engin and Hepaksoy (2003) determined the pollen germination of type A flowers of cultivars Izmir 1, Izmir 2, Izmir 10, Izmir 12, Izmir 1261, Izmir 1265, Izmir 1267, Izmir 1479, Izmir 1499 and Izmir Pollen germination was tested in 10, 15, 20 per cent sucrose solution + 1 per cent agar in petri plate 13

23 method. The media containing 15 and 20 per cent sucrose gave per cent (Izmir 1267) and per cent (Izmir 10) pollen germination respectively. Dinesh et al. (2011) examined the pollen viability with Acetocarmine stain (1 per cent) and reported per cent pollen viability in cultivar Ganesh, 91 per cent in Bhagwa, per cent in Mridula and 88 per cent in Arakta in Solapur conditions of Maharashtra. Kumar (2012) attempted pollen studies in Ganesh, G-137, Dholka, Nabha, Jodhpur Red, Mridula, Kandhari Hansi, China Seedling and Bush Large. Pollen studies revealed that pollen viability in Acetocarmine ranged from to per cent whereas in Tetrazolium and Erythrosin B, pollen viability varied from to per cent and to per cent respectively. Maximum pollen germination was obtained in 10 per cent sucrose solution after 72 hours with per cent germination and minimum was recorded in 20 per cent sucrose solution, having no germination after 24, 48 and 72 hours in some varieties. 2.4 FRUIT CHARACTERISTICS Physical characters In a study carried out on cultivar Jodhpuri, Pant (1976) reported that rise in air temperature causes fruit cracking. Highest fruit cracking (63.00 %) was reported in spring crop (January June) followed by per cent in winter crop and only 9.50 per cent in rainy season crop. Malhotra et al. (1983a) reported significant variations among various pomegranate cultivars for fruit weight [ranging from (58.80 g) in Afgan Kandhari Seedling to (124.7 g) in Anar Shirin Mohammad Ali], fruit length (3.90 cm in Afgan Kandhari Seedling to 5.60 cm in Anar Shirin Mohammad Ali), fruit breadth (4.10 cm in Anar-Post-e-Safed Shirin to 6.80 cm in Gule Shah) and rind thickness (0.13 cm in Afganistan Kandhari Seedling to 0.27 cm in Bedana). Both fruit and aril colour of all cultivars were either pink or rose coloured with varying intensities. Purohit (1983) reported that a pomegranate cultivar could be called as soft seeded (or seedless) if the mean thickness of seed testa in transverse section is 14

24 below 0.50 mm. Bedana, Bassein Seedless, Ganesh and Dholka were ranked in order of decreasing softness. Muscat was graded as medium soft seeded variety and Alandi, Kandhari Hansi as hard seeded varieties. In a varietal evaluation trial at Hissar (Anonymous, 1984), majority of cultivars were found to have pink or white aril colour except Kandhari Hansi, Achikdana, Bedana Sedana, PS-75-K-S, HS-791, which had red aril colour. Fruit colour was also yellow or pink except Kandhari Hansi with red colour. Baskha- Linski had soft to medium soft seeds and other varieties had medium hard to hard seeds e.g. medium hard in Chawla, hard in Jodhpur Red, Kandhari Hansi, PS-75- K-5 and Anar Shirin Mohammad Ali. Fruits of ten cultivars, viz. Chawla, Nabha, Dolka, Panipat Selection, Jodhpur White Grain, Jodhpur Red, Jodhpur White, Country Large White, Kandhari Hansi, Kandhari Ganganagar were assessed for their physico-chemical properties in order to find out best quality fruit cultivar by Godara et al. (1989). Weight of fruit was maximum in Country Large White (154 g) followed by Panipat Selection (153 g) while minimum weight of fruit was observed in Jodhpur White (88 g) followed by Kandhari Hansi (95 g) and Kandhari Ganganagar (106 g). Maximum rind thickness was observed in cv. Kandhari Hansi (4 cm) followed by Dholka (3.9 cm) and Jodhpur White (3.8 cm). Highest weight of 100 grains was observed in Jodhpur White Grain (21.0 g) followed by Nabha (20.2 g) while minimum weight of grain was observed in Jodhpur White (6.8 g) followed by Dholka (10.6 g). Among various cultivars assessed, the most preferable soft seeds were observed in cv. Dholka, while unpreferable hard seed were observed in cv. Panipat Selection, Jodhpur Red and Jodhpur White, Kandhari Hansi and Kandhari Ganganagar. Grain colour in most of the cultivars was pink except in Kandhari Hansi which had red colour of aril and Jodhpur White Grain which had white colour of grains. Trapaidze and Abuladze (1989) studied fifteen cultivars of pomegranate for subtropical zone of eastern Georgia. Out of fifteen only Shirvan, Burachni, Apsheronskii-Kranji, Sulu-nar, Kyrmyz kabukh and Francis were resistant to cracking. 15

25 Jalikop and Kumar (1998) studied various genotypes representing soft, semi-soft and hard seeded for different parameters and observed that the estimated juice g fruit for hard seeded types was as low as (28 g) in contrast to (44.5 g) and (40.5 g) for soft and semi-soft seeded pomegranate cvs., respectively. Ozkan (2003) carried out research on determination of pomological characteristics of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) at the University of Gaziosmanpaşa in Tokat Province. Five pomegranate fruits were taken from each genotype (Acar 1-3, Hek. 1-3, Tas 1-2, Leb. and Deniz) under investigation, to conduct physical and chemical analyses. Based on two years average data, fruit weight varied between ( g), weight of 100 kernels varied between ( g), percentage of kernels from 43.4 per cent up to 61.3 per cent, skin thickness varied between ( mm). Skin colour was yellow, with pink-red over colour. Sharma and Bist (2005) carried out an evaluation study on eight cultivars of pomegranate to assess their performance under mid-hills conditions of Himachal Pradesh. Amongst the cultivars studied the maximum average fruit weight was recorded as ( g) in Kandhari Hansi whereas it was minimum in case of Anar Shirin Mohammad Ali i.e. (95.00 g). Fruit colour of all the cultivars was greenish yellow to pinkish yellow except Kandhari Hansi. Jodhpur Red was recorded to have maximum aril percentage i.e per cent was significantly higher than other cultivars. Minimum aril percentage was recorded to be per cent in Ganesh. Aril size varied from 0.74 cm x 0.66 cm in Anar Shirin Mohammad Ali to 1.10 cm x 0.78 cm in Kandhari Hansi. Aril colour in Kandhari Hansi and PS-75-K-5 was red whereas in all other cultivars it was light pink to deep pink. Islam et al. (2009) studied the pomological and morphological traits of pomegranates grown in the Black Sea region. Fruit weight ranged between 123 g and 295 g, skin thickness between 2.95 mm and 6.42 mm, seed number per fruit ranged between , fruit size from medium to large, flavor is sweet or sweet-sour and skin color was generally reddish-yellow 16

26 Akbarpour et al. (2009) studied twelve pomegranate cultivars for different physical characters. The highest value (59.83 %) was obtained from the Khazar-e- Bardeskan cultivar and lowest value (20.18 %) was obtained from Syah-e-Saveh cultivar, respectively according to fruit aril percentage. Tehranifar et al. (2010) recorded 83.9 g (MB) to g (MDSiR) and 38.7 per cent (MB) to 61.9 per cent (MT) aril weight and aril percentage, respectively in fifteen Iranian pomegranate cultivars. Samadi (2011) studied the status of pomegranate cultivation in Afghanistan. According to the observation Afghanistan is home to forty eight known cultivars of pomegranate out of which there are 20 sweet, 17 medium sweet (sub-acid), and 11 sour types pomegranate. These can, in turn, be categorized into three groups, based on quality of seeds i.e. hardness of seed (Hard seeded, Intermediate seeded and soft seeded). Martinez et al. (2012) indicated that aril length ranged between 10.9 mm (Bouaadime) to 11.9 mm (Rouge Marrakech) and aril breadth varied between 6.4 mm (Bouaadime) and 7.8 mm (Sefri) among six (Sefri, Ounk Hman, Ruby, Rouge Marrakech, Bouaadime and Jaune Marrakech) different pomegranate cultivars from Morocco. Caliskan and Bayazit (2013) who reported weight of 100 arils ranged between (17.5 g) to (66.7 g) for pomegranate accessions grown in Eastern Mediterranean Region of Turkey. Patil et al. (2013) carried out investigation to analyze different physicochemical characteristics of two different varieties of pomegranate fruit viz. Ganesh and Arakta. The study reveals that the morphological characteristics of pomegranate, i.e. colour of fruit of variety Ganesh and Arakta was yellowish with pink patches and dark red respectively. The colour of arils in Ganesh cultivar was pinkish whereas it was blood red in Arakta cultivar. Weight of arils ( g) in Arakta and ( g) in Ganesh. Weight of peels (70.55 g) in Ganesh and (86.70 g) in Arakta. The average fruit weight was ( g) and ( g) for Ganesh and Arakta. 17

27 Hamouda et al. (2014) observed maximum grain/peel ratio in cultivar Sukkary (3.2) and minimum in Melasy (1.7) in eight Egyptian pomegranate cultivars (Asuity, Asuity beshoka, Asuity morkub, Manfalouty, Nab El-Gamal, Melasy, Sukkary and Maghal) Chemical characteristics The pomological and analytical characteristics of 6 Sicilian pomegranate selections viz. Dente di cavallo, Neirana, Profeta, Racalmuto, Ragana, Selinunte were studied in the experimental orchard located in Sicily as compared to 'Roja Spanish cultivar by Barone et al. (2001). As per the compositional analysis all the tested varieties were categorized as suggested by Evreinoff. Five cultivars were placed in sweet group (TA < 0.9%) with the exception of 'Racalmuto ' which was included in the 'sour' group (TA > 1.8%). No 'sweet-sour' accessions (TA Cl.9-1.8%) were found. TA ranged from 0.32 per cent for' Ragana ' to 0.67 per cent for 'Neirana', TSS/TA was particularly high in 'Ragana' as a consequence both of a low TA and of a high TSS. Whereas, TSS/TA was lowest in 'Racalmuto' which were placed in the sour group. Poyrazoglu et al. (2002) introduced thirteen pomegranate varieties from four different growing regions of Turkey and these were analyzed for their organic acids and phenolic compounds. Total titratable acidity ranged between 4.58 and g/l (average of 9.82g/L), and total sugars ranged between and g/l (average of g/l) in juices of cultivars. Twenty pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) accessions collected from different regions in Northern Greece were evaluated under uniform conditions for different fruit physical and chemical characteristics by Drogoudi and Tsipouridis (2005). Total phenolics varied between 22.5 and 69.7 mg/100ml and anthocyanins between 42.7 and 72.4 mmol/100 ml. Sharma and Bist (2005) recorded observation on fruit quality parameter on four wild germplasm accessions of pomegranate, collected from Gharsa and Nagar valleys of Kullu Lahual Spiti district of H.P. The total soluble solids in 18

28 wild pomegranate ranged from to ºBrix and acidity from 3.36 to 4.24 per cent. Ozgen et al. (2008) collected and evaluated arils from six pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars obtained from various sites from the Mediterranean region of Turkey for their chemical and antioxidant properties. Kan, Dikenli incekabuk and Katirbasi had more than (17%) TSS content. Cultivars exhibited a range of taste (from sour to sweet) and acidity (from 0.5 to 3.8%). Serife had the highest acidity (3.8 ± 0.1%) while Tatli (0.5 ± 0.1%) had the lowest. Kan recorded with a dark red colour, high TSS and relatively high acidity, might be good choice for both fresh fruit and juice markets. The selected cultivars had high amounts of total phenolics (TP) and anthocyanins. The amount of TP varied between 1245 and 2076 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/l of fruit juice and Total monomeric anthocyanins (TMA) between 6.12 and 219 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalents/l of fruit juice. TP means averaged 1507 mg GAE/l. Variability among cultivars was greatest for TMA content; Kan with dark red aril colour had the highest TMA among all cultivars. Varasteh et al. (2009) studied the fruit quality characteristics of some commercial pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars grown in Iran including Malas-e-Torsh-e-Sveh, Rabab-e-Neiriz, Malas-e-Yazdi, Shishe-Cap-e- Ferdows and Naderi-e-Natanz. Among five cultivars studied, highest total soluble solids (TSS) were observed in Rabab-e-Neiriz (18.26 ºBrix). In addition, Malas-e-Yazdi showed the highest Titrable acidity (1.35). Akbarpour et al. (2009) studied twelve pomegranate cultivars for different chemical characters. Their reducing sugars ranged from to g/100 ml, TSS ranged from per cent to per cent, acidity ranged from 0.35 per cent to 3.30 per cent and total antioxidant varied from to mmol/100g. Tehranifar et al. (2010) investigated chemical properties and antioxidant activity of twenty Iranian pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars. This study showed that juice percentage was within the range of per cent to per 19

29 cent. The total soluble solids content varied from B to B, titratable acidity content from 0.33 g 100 g -1 to 2.44 g 100 g -1 and total sugars content from g 100 g -1 to g 100 g -1. The total anthocyanins content was observed in pomegranate cultivars between 5.56 mg 100 g -1 and mg 100 g -1. The level of total phenolics was varied from mg 100 g -1 to mg 100 g -1. Fu et al. (2011) estimated total phenolic contents of 62 fruits, by using the Folin-Ciocalteu method, which relied on the transfer of electrons from phenolic compounds to the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent in alkaline medium, and is a simple and widely used method (Singleton and Rossi, 1965). The level of total phenolics in pomegranate was found to be mg GAE/100 g. Ferrara et al. (2011) evaluated morpho-pomological and chemical parameters of eight pomegranate genotypes localized in private small orchards in Apaulia region of South Eastern Italy. Significant differences were observed among the pomegranate genotypes for many of the parameters investigated. In particular, Brix ranged from 14.7 (ComTri) to 18.0 (SouMol), titratable acidity from 5.4 (ComMol) to 25.0 (SouTri) g/l. Total polyphenols varied from 1020 mg/l GAL in (ComTri, ModTri) to mg/l GAL in (SouOst). Twenty-one local pomegranate cultivars maintained in an ex-situ collection in Tunisia, were studied by Zaouay and Mars (2011) using 29 characteristics related to flowers, fruits and seeds. Results showed an important phenotypic diversity. Significant differences were noted in the volume of juice between studied cultivars, with JR1 (80.95 %) having the greatest content and GS1 having the least (64.1 %). ZH11 showed greatest TSS content (15.9 B) and the highest phenolics amount (194.1 mg/100 ml). The lowest TSS content (12.8 B) was obtained for GS1 and the minimum phenolics amount were found in GB19 (29.64 mg/100g). The titrable acidity of pomegranate juice was particularly high in GS1 (18.7 g/l) and low in ZH5 (2.0 g/l). Rawat et al. (2012) characterize wild pomegranate (Punica protopunica L.) of Garhwal Himalaya. The chemical analysis of ripe fruits revealed that fruits 20

30 contain juice (71.35 %), TSS (12.00 %), total sugars (2.43 %) and mallic acid (4.17 %). Wani et al. (2012) carried out investigations in order to document the available genetic variability of various pomegranate selections (SKAU-Pg-Sr SKAU-Pg-Sr-017) of Kashmir valley for several morphological, quantitative and qualitative characters and to select elite pomegranate genotypes which has superior yield and quality traits. TSS varied from per cent (SKAU-Pg-Sr- 013) to 16 per cent (SKAU-Pg-Sr-005). Maximum juice content of % was recorded in accession SKAU-Pg-Sr-017 followed by accession SKAU-Pg-Sr-015 (56.85 %). Acidity varied from 0.30 per cent (SKAU-Pg-Sr-017) to 0.57 per cent (SKAU-Pg-Sr-013). Highest TSS / acidity ration of was recorded in accession SKAU-Pg-Sr-017. Reducing sugars ranged from 6 per cent (SKAU-Pg- Sr-013) to per cent (SKAU-Pg-Sr-007) while non-reducing sugars ranged from 0.66 per cent (SKAU-Pg-Sr-004) to 3.06 per cent (SKAU-Pg-Sr-017). Total sugars contents was highest in accession SKAU-Pg-Sr-012 (12.92%) and lowest in accession SKAU-Pg-Sr-013 (7.24 %). Anthocyanins content varied from 9.14 mg/100g fruit (SKAU-Pg-Sr-016) to mg/100g (SKAU-Pg-Sr-017). Legua et al. (2012) evaluated six pomegranate cultivars (viz. ME5, ME16, ME17, MO6, MA4 and MA5) belonging to the Mollar group. The highest TSS content was detected in juice from M06 (15.81 B) and lowest in ME17 (14.79 B). Total sugar content ranged from g juice (MA4) to g juice in (ME16).The total anthocyanins ranged from mg L -1 (MA4) to mg L -1 (ME5). Ismail et al. (2014) characterized six Egyptian pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars (Araby, Assuity, Hegazy, Manfalouty, Nab El Gamal and Wardi). The juice volume ranged from to ml/100g arils for Wardi and Nab El Gamal cultivars. The SSC content ranged between (Hegazy) and per cent in Assuity. The anthocyanins content ranged from 1.47 to mg/100g for Araby and Hegazy. 21

31 2.5 HARVESTING AND YIELD At Rahuri, ambe bahar was found to be most economical (Anonymous, 1982). In the same study, 50 fruits per plant of Muscat variety proved to be best in terms of fruit quality and gross income per plant. Misra et al. (1983) reported that out of ten varieties (Anar Shirin- Mohamad Ali, Bedana, Dholka, Kazil Anar, Kandhari, Nabha, Russian Seedling, Shirin-Anar, Srinagar-Special, Surakh Anar) of pomegranate, only Srinagar Special, gave the highest yield (18.45 kg / plant) followed by Kandhari (8.30 kg / plant), however, lesser number of fruits were recorded in Russian Seedling (1.17 kg / plant) and Kazil Anar (1.18 kg / plant) Shulman et al. (1984) reported that in case of red coloured varieties, the stage when per cent of the skin becomes red usually corresponds with TSS: acidity ratio suitable for commercial havesting. Nath and Singh (2000) reported that pomegranate harvesting should be done at semi-ripe stage when the skin becomes yellowish with waxy shining surface. A full-grown pomegranate tree yields fruits, which can be increased to 100 fruits per plant with better management practices. Patil and Karale (1992) observed that pomegranate plant begin to bear fruits from fourth year when fruits may be harvested and in tenth year produces fruit per plant. However, in well-managed orchard yield may go unto fruits per plant per year. Fruits become ready to harvest in five to seven months after the appearance of blossoms when skin turns slightly yellow and fruit gives a metallic sound when tapped. Dholka and Bassein Seedless significantly out yielded the cultivars Ganesh, G-137, P-26, Jodhpur Red and Jalore Seedles (Anonymous, 1995). On cumulative and pooled yield basis, Bassein seedless gave higher yields ( kg/tree) followed by Dholka, G-137 and Ganesh, which were at par. Prasad and Bankar (2000) reported the highest mean fruit yield / plant was recorded in Jalore Seedless (18.7 kg) followed by G-137 (17.45 kg) and lowest mean yield per plant in Basin Seedless (9.62). 22