Characterization and Evaluation of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Germplasm under Indian Arid Ecosystem

Thirty accessions/genotypes collected from various sources and propagated vegetatively were planted in spacing of 5m x 5m to describe and select superior pomegranate genotypes suitable for arid ecosystem of India. The following phonological growth and yielding characteristics were evaluated: tree height, tree spread, suckering, girth, leaf length and width, leaf tip, leaf base, leaf shape, thorn length, size of flowers, TSS, acidity, juice (%), fruit cracking, seed hardness, juice flavour, arid colour. Substantial variability was recorded among the genotypes/varieties. Pomegranate genotypes suitable to the specific soil and climate conditions of Indian arid region are described in detail for their morphological characteristics and physico chemical parameters of the fruits.