Effects of Self, Open, and Supplementary Pollination on Growth Pattern and Characteristics of Pomegranate Fruit

In the present study the type of pomegranate pollination and its effects on fruit growth pattern and fruit characteristics were investigated throughout the growing season. Adequate flowers of three cultivars were selected and tagged after self and supplementary pollination and intact flowers were allowed for open pollination. Quantitative traits (weight, diameter, and length) of fruit and arils were improved by open and supplementary pollination. Within the qualitative parameters, seed firmness was decreased in open and supplementary pollination especially in 'Gorch-e-dadashi' and 'Zagh-e-yazdi'. Also, seed length was increased by open pollination in 'Zagh-e-yazdi', although it was decreased in 'Postghermez-e-aliaghaei' and not influenced in 'Gorch-e-dadashi'. The rate of self-fertility varies between three studied cultivars of pomegranate and Poost ghermez-e-aliaghaei had more self-fertility than Gorch-e-dadashi and Zagh-e-yazdi. Also the results showed a decrease in arils number, fruit, and seed weight of self-pollinated flowers compared to open and supplementary treatment, which could be considered as an existence of incomplete self-compatibility. In conclusion, this research provides further evidence that pollination in terms of open and supplementary is necessary for increasing the quantity and quality potential of fruits in commercial pomegranate production.