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 nun). 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%).