Leaf Water Potential of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) under Different Irrigation Levels

Pomegranate is a characteristic species of the Mediterranean area. The cultivation of the pomegranate is mainly confined to the tropics and subtropics and it grows well in arid and semi-arid climates. It is now widely cultivated in Mediterranean, in tropical and subtropical areas. In Turkey, pomegranate is among the under-utilised fruit species. The Mediterranean, Aegean and South-east regions have more suitable climates for pomegranate growing. Although pomegranate is generally grown as a low input crop, varietal differences and some physiological disorders exert a major impact on fruit quality and marketability. Irrigation of pomegranate trees is very important. Fruit splitting and cracking can occurr, unless they are regularly irrigated. Excess watering or excessive rain during the maturation period may cause similar damage to the fruits. The aim of this research was to determine the leaf water potential (LWP) of pomegranate trees under three iirrigation levels.