Growth and Yield Performance of Pomegranate Varieties Under Scarce Rainfall Zone

Eight varieties of pomegranate were evaluated under scarce rainfall zone at Horticultural Research Station, Anantapur for 3 years from 2004–2006 in 9 years’ old plants. Out of 8 varieties the average plant height (2.64 m) and No. of branches/plant (3.7) were recorded highest in Jodhpur red followed by Jalor seedless. Highest stem girth was recorded (34.3 cm) in Ganesh followed by P 23 (32.8 cm). Plant spread was highest in Jalor seedless (6.4 m³) followed by Muscat (5.1 m³). The fruit yield i.e. No. of fruits/plant was recorded highest (61.6) in Ganesh followed by G 137 (59). Ganesh with highest yield i.e. No. of fruits/plant (61.6) and G 137 (59) were best suitable to scarce rainfall areas in poor fertile soils.