Studies on Performance of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa Raised through Different Propagules for Yield and Quality

Abstract

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) so called “fruit of paradise” is one of the major fruit crops of arid region (Stover and Mercure, 2007). It is believed to have originated from Iran. India is one of the leading producers of pomegranate in the world. It is well known for its nutritive value and is rich in vitamins such as folic acid, vitamin „c‟ and numerous antioxidants (Gil et al., 2000). Pomegranate is one of the richest sources of riboflavin. Fruit rind, bark and root of the pomegranate contains more than 28 % gallotannic acid and dye which is useful in tanning as natural biodye. Pomegranates are rich in polyphenols, specially ellagic acid and punicalgins, which can act as potent antioxidants. Ellagic acid is found in the red arils of the pomegranate besides other red coloured berries. Punicalgins are found only in the outer skin of the pomegranate and are estimated to have twice the antioxidant capability of red wine and white wine (Sevda and Rodrigues, 2011). The best quality pomegranate fruits are produced in regions with cool winters and hot dry summer. Plants raised from seeds show a great variability with respect to tree vigour, International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 8 Number 09 (2019) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas.com