THE POMEGRANATE TREE IN THE WORLD: NEW CULTIVARS AND USES

Abstract

The pomegranate tree is cultivated in five continents, especially because it is profitable, it can be grown in arid regions and it has benefical properties for human health. New cultivars can provide crops over a longer period of time and therefore meet market demands better with quality fruits and larger harvests contributing to the development of the crop and increasing the world cultivated surface. There is a huge interest in this crop throughout the world especially for its potential to prevent illnesses. Industrialization of its fruit (juices, tubs of grains, dehydrated seeds, rind, etc.) has contributed to the increase of crop areas and a rise in farmers’ income. Other products being commercialized are extracts for manufacturing capsules, obtaining oils or for manufacturing cosmetic products. All these new products are becoming widely accepted among consumers and industrialists who see these species as a new market opportunity. The world surface dedicated to the cultivation of pomegranate trees is more than 300,000 ha and world production is probably higher than 3,000,000 t. The main production countries are India, Iran, Turkey, China, and the USA, where more than 76% of the world production is being produced.