Performance of pomegranate (Punica granatum) genotypes in rainfed temperate region

An experiment was conducted at the ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Regional Station, Shimla to evaluate the performance of pomegranate genotypes in rainfed temperate region during 2014–17. For this purpose performance of 13 pomegranate genotypes, viz. Kandhari Yellow, Anar Sherin Mohmad Ali, G-137, Chawla, P-75-K-5, Ichakdana, Ganesh, Kandhari Hansi, Jodhpur Red, Kandhari Kabuli, P-23, P-26, Nabha were assessed for plant growth, yield and quality parameters. The study reveals that plant height varied from 1.85-2.83 m, canopy spread (east-west side) was highest in Nabha (2.10 m) and canopy spread in north-south side varied from 1.05-1.85 m with maximum in P-26 (1.85 m). Plant girth was maximum in Kandhari Yellow (68.65 mm) and minimum in Ichakdana (34.71mm). Fruit set in different genotypes of pomegranate varied from 29.87-78.25% with maximum in Ichakdana (78.25%). The maximum fruit weight was recorded in Ichakdana (320.4 g) and lowest in P-23 (118.6 g). Maximum fruit length and fruit width was recorded in Ichakdana (87.8 mm and 88.25 mm). Aril weight was highest in Ichakdana (171.32 g) and minimum in P-75-K-5 (48.0 g). Fruit yield varied from 12.18-30.11 (t/ha) with maximum in Kandhari Kabuli (30.11 t/ha) and minimum in P-75K-5 (12.18 t/ha). TSS content varied from 9.18-14.02% with maximum in Kandhari Kabuli (14.02%) and minimum in Ichakdana (9.18%). Acidity content was found maximum in Ichakdana (2.38%) and minimum in Ganesh (0.98%). Vitamin C content varied from 8.44-14.13 mg/100 g with maximum in Ichakdana (14.13 mg/100 g) and minimum in Kandhari Yellow (8.44 mg/100 g). Total sugar content varied from 5.21-11.33% with maximum in Kandhari Yellow (11.33%) and minimum in Ichakdana (5.12%).