Characterization of selected pomegranate genotypes and identification of their pathogenic to root rot disease

Abstract

In Egypt, only two local cultivars are known, namely, Assiuty and Manfalouty. Pomegranate root rot disease causes significant losses and often goes undetected in the early stages. A better understanding of the pathogen that causes a disease is important for its control. The objective of this study is to select, and characterize new genotypes of Manfalouty and Assiuty pomegranate cultivars for their qualitative and quantitative characteristics and identify the root rot tolerance in pomegranate genotypes. Socary genotype almost surpasses all the tested genotypes in the vegetative growth. The results indicated that Manfalouty genotype showed the lowest symptoms of root rot with disease severity value (33%), while Socary genotype showed the highest disease severity (75%). The obtained results may be useful in planning phytosanitary strategies and for pomegranate breeders in selecting root rot-resistant cultivars and paving the way for breeding programs and germplasm management.