Pomegranate Cv Research Articles

Effect of different combinations of plant growth regulators and assessment of clonal fidelity among in vitro raised micro-shoots of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa

The role of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in plant development and growth is varied. However, there is currently no reported use of SNP in single or combined treatments for in vitro propagation of pomegranates. This study elaborates the role of SNP combined with different plant growth regulators (PGRs) like kinetin (Kn) and indole acetic acid (IAA) as supplementary in Murashige and Skoog (MS) media for in vitro propagation of pomegranate cv. Bhagwa using nodal segments as explants. The results revealed that treatment T9 (1.5 mg/L SNP + 1.5 mg/L Kn) resulted in the earliest shoot induction (25.03 days), the highest shoot proliferation (86.67 %) and the maximum shoot length (3.10 cm). However, treatment T8 (1.5 mg/L SNP + 1.0 mg/L Kn) produced the highest number of shoots/explant (2.60). In regards to in vitro rooting, the treatment fortified with T14 (2.0 mg/L IAA + 0.1 mg/L SNP) yielded the highest rooting frequency (100 %) with the maximum number of roots (4.77), while the treatment T15 (2.0 mg/L IAA + 0.2 mg/L SNP) exhibited earlier root initiation (13.17 days). The clonal fidelity analysis using ISSR markers revealed that the micro-propagated shoots were genetically uniform, with 88.89 % showing uniformity and a low level of somaclonal variation at 11.11 %.

Fruit quality, antioxidant, and mineral attributes of pomegranate cv. Ghojagh, influenced by shading and spray applications of potassium sulfate and sodium silicate

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit quality depends on many traits including visual, biochemical and mineral characteristics. One of the negative traits is aril whitening (AW) which is a frequently observed disorder in hot and dry climates, that leads to decline in desirable fruit quality. Color, antioxidant, and mineral contents of the arils are of prime importance as quality traits. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of shading and foliar minerals on fruit quality during the fruit development stages of pomegranate. Treatments included shaded (50% green net) and unshaded trees and foliar application of trees with potassium sulfate (K, 1% and 2%) or sodium silicate (Si, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15%) during two growing seasons. Results showed that the severity of AW at harvest decreased significantly when trees were covered with shading compared to control. The color values of L* and ⁰hue for arils were lower in fruits grown under shading conditions indicating darker red arils. Shading significantly reduced chilling injury in cold storage compared to open field fruits. Shading and Si 0.15% increased superoxide dismutase, and catalase enzymes activity while decreased Polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase. Covering trees with shading and Si 0.15% spray resulted in the highest total anthocyanin, antioxidant activity, and total phenolics content in the arils. Shading as well as Si 0.15% increased macronutrients content of the arils. The study concluded that covering pomegranate trees and spraying with Si in hot climate reduced AW, increased antioxidant traits, and led to higher fruit quality.

Effect of Plant Growth Regulators and Growing Media on Rooting of Cuttings in Punica granatum L. cv. Bhagwa

Background: When pomegranates are multiplied through seeds, germination leads to vigorous tree growth. However, the tree will not be exactly similar to its parent and the resultant fruit produced will be irregular in colour, size, juiciness and sweetness. Methods: Soft-wood cuttings of Pomegranate cv. Bhagwa were planted in different growing media that were entitled G1- Soil + FYM, G2- Soil + Vermiculite, G3- Soil + Sand + FYM and G4- Soil + FYM + Vermiculite. These cuttings were treated with different combinations of 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), Ascorbic acid (ASC) and Boric acid. Studies were carried out in a two-factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with 28 treatment permutations. Result: Current research indicated that treatment T18 (NAA 500 ppm + H2O2 30 ppm + IBA 500 ppm, Soil + Vermiculite (1:1) worked out to be the best treatment as it exhibited superiority over other treatments. The results of this experiment can practically be implemented to propagate quality planting material by adopting these best results/treatments.

Copper level and Fatty acid Composition among Healthy and Cracked fruits of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa

Punica granatum L. (Pomegranate) is commercially valuable fruit belonging to Punicaceae family. Copper is essential micronutrient that plant require for various processes. Copper level and fatty acid composition was studied in order to find variation among healthy and cracked fruit of Punica granatum L. Fatty acid composition of pomegranate leaves was determined using hyphenated GC-MS technique while copper concentration was found using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Variation among fatty acids was found in healthy and cracked fruit. Predominant fatty acid in healthy fruit was Linolenic acid (40.95%) while Palmitic acid (41.38%) was in highest proportion in cracked fruit. Stearic acid was found absent in cracked fruits. Findings from AAS showed that excess copper (1.77ppm) was found in leaves of plant bearing cracked fruit. Variation in fatty acid and absence of stearic acid at early developing stage can be used for possible cracking detection in pomegranate fruit also, high copper level increase cracking in pomegranate, so pesticides and fungicide containing copper should be used in adequate amounts in order to reduce cracking in pomegranate fruits.

Effect of different Potting Mixtures on Acclimatization of In vitro Developed Plants on Survival Percentage under Glass House Condition

The experiment was conducted during the years 2020-22, all of the experiments for the current research were carried out in the Plant Tissue Culture Laboratory, Department of Plant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, College of Agriculture, Gwalior, Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Gwalior (M. P.). Pomegranate cv. Bhagwa plantlets were placed in polythene bags containing various potting mixtures, such as soil, FYM, and Vermicompost, alone and in various combinations. The hardened plantlets were then exposed to direct sunshine to help them acclimate to their new surroundings. The percentage of tissue culture plantlets that survived was calculated. Experiments were conducted in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications of each treatment and each replication contain three explants. Data were analyzed using Duncan’s multiple range test whereas the survival percentages were analysed by arc-sine transformation. On the basis of present study it is concluded that cocopeat soil combination had the highest survival rate (95.00%), followed by cocopeat (85%). In the case of pomegranate, sand, perlite, vermiculite, vermiculite soil and perlite sand alone were not shown to be effective hardening materials because all of the plants withered within a week. After two months of hardening under polyhouse circumstances, cocopeat soil showed the greatest growth with a notable increase in plant height (37.23 cm), followed by cocopeat (33.03 cm). Therefore, we may conclude that cocopeat is the ideal material for pomegranate plants that have been produced in vitro.

Integrated use of NPK chemical fertilizers and bio-stimulants improved soil fertility, fruit yield, quality and net returns in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)

Bio-stimulants are gaining importance for elevating the stagnated yield level resulting from continuous use of chemical fertilizers (CF) in many crops, however, their use in pomegranate have not been fully explored. Two years of field experiments were conducted on a 5-years old pomegranate cv. Bhagwa orchard to investigate the effects of different combinations of commercial bio-stimulant products namely, microbial-based product A containing consortium of Rhizophagus spp. (5 kg ha−1), seaweed extract-based granular formulation D (30 kg ha−1) and liquid formulation B (625 and 1250 ml ha−1) through soil application as well as wettable granular formulation, C (1 and 2 g l−1) and liquid formulation, E (1 ml l−1) through foliar sprays along with chemical fertilizers on soil fertility, trees’ nutrition, fruit yield and quality of pomegranate. Results showed that integrated use of CF and bio-stimulants significantly increased the number of bisexual flowers. However, the combination of microbial-based product A (5 kg ha−1), seaweed extract based liquid formulation B (625 ml ha−1) in soil and foliar spary of seaweed extract based wettable granular formulation C (1–2 g l−1) with CF resulted in production of the highest fruit yield (increased by 41.97–51.61%) with 23.08–33.38% increase in the exportable grade fruit and improved quality attributes viz. ascorbic acid, anthocyanin, non-reducing sugar, protein, and mineral content of fruits through enhancement in soil fertility and trees’ micronutrient status compared to only CF. These doses combinations of bio-stimulants along with CF gave rise to the highest benefit–cost ratio of 2.10–2.34:1 and hence can be recommended for sustainable pomegranate cultivation.

Effect of integrated nutrient management on growth and flowering of Pomegranate cv. Bhagwa

The present research work on the topic entitled “Studies on Integrated Nutrient management on growth and flowering in Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa” was conducted at the research plot, College of Horticulture, Chiplima during the year 2021-2022 by using Randomized Block Design with nine treatments replicated thrice. The treatment details were T1 : RDF (500 g N: 125g P2 O5 : 250 g K2 O) / Plant, T2 : Half of the RDF, T3 : 75 % of ‘N’ of RDF + Full ‘P’ + Full ‘K’ + 25 % N through FYM, T4 : 75 % of ‘N’ of RDF + Full ‘P’ + Full ‘K’ + 25 % N through FYM + Azotobacter + PSB, T5 : 75 % of ‘N’ of RDF + Full ‘P’ + Full ‘K’ + 25 % N through Vermicompost, T6 : 75 % of ‘N’ of RDF + Full ‘P’ + Full ‘K’ + 25 % N through Vermicompost + Azotobacter + PSB, T7 : 75 % of ‘N’ of RDF + Full ‘P’ + Full ‘K’ + 25 % N through Poultry manure, T8 : 75 % of ‘N’ of RDF + Full ‘P’ + Full ‘K’ + 25 % N through Poultry manure + Azotobacter + PSB and T9 : Control (No manures and fertilizers or biofertilizers). The observations on vegetative growth parameters and reproductive parameters were taken both initial (1 MAT) and advanced growth (3 MAT) stages. The results revealed that T8 recorded maximum plant height (2.21 m at 1 MAT & 2.65 m at 3 MAT), stem girth (12.50 cm at 1 MAT and 14.78 cm at 3 MAT), canopy volume (3.48 m3 at 1 MAT and 5.50 m3 at 1 MAT), leaf area (74.80 cm2 at 1 MAT, 76.25 cm2 at 3 MAT) and significantly superior to control (T9 ) plants. The treatment T), recorded significantly higher number of total flowers (174 in T8 and 152 in T7 ) whereas the control plants (T9 ) recorded lowest number of total flowers (41.67). From the present study, it may be inferred that plants treated with 75 % N of RDF + full P + full K + poultry manure + Azotobacter + PSB is superior than the other treatments with respect to improvement in growth and flowering parameters in Mrig bahar crop of pomegranate cv. Bhagwa under Western Odisha condition of Odisha.

Studies on Variable Level of N Fertigation on Growth, Yield and Quality of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Kandhari Kabuli

A field trial was conducted to study the effect of variable level of N along with recommended dose of P and K through fertigation on growth, yield and quality parameters of pomegranate on eleven year old pomegranate trees cv. Kandhari Kabuli under mid hill conditions of HP. Treatment consisted of five levels of Nitrogen fertilizer 0%, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% along with 100% recommended dose of P and K through fertigation and conventional method of fertilizer application (with recommended dose of NPK) kept as control. Fertigation treatments had a promising effect over conventional method and treatment of 75% RD of N and RD of P and K through fertigation proved significant over other fertigation treatments and conventional method. Highest tree growth parameters, fruit set, fruit retention, average fruit weight and yield was recorded highest for 75% RD of N and RD of P and K through fertigation. Physico-chemical fruit characteristics viz. highest TSS, lower acidity, highest TSS acid ratio, highest sugars and ascorbic acid content (Vit. C) was also recorded for 75% RD of N and RD of P and K.

Nano-enhanced growth and resilience strategies for Pomegranate cv. Wonderful: Unveiling the impact of zinc and boron nanoparticles on fruit quality and abiotic stress management

The pomegranate fruit is an extremely popular fruit that is grown in various regions around the world. Pomegranate cv. Wonderful confronts severe abiotic stress disorders, like fruit cracking and sunburn, which decrease fruit quality. Nanoparticles offer potential for improving nutrient usage efficiency and lowering undesirable environmental repercussions. During three consecutive stages of development, namely the peak flowering stage, six weeks after peak flowering, and one month prior to harvest, magnificent pomegranate trees were subjected to separate applications of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and boron oxide nanoparticles (B2O3NPs) at concentrations of 0, 250, 500, and 1000 parts per million (ppm). These treatments were carried out in both the 2021 and 2022 growing seasons. Positive effects were observed at concentrations of 500 and 1000 ppm for ZnONPs and a concentration of 1000 ppm for B2O3NPs on the vegetative growth parameters such as shoot length, leaf area, leaves number per shoot, and canopy volume, besides, leaf chemical characteristics such as leaf chlorophyll concentration and leaf nutrient content such as of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), and boron (B). Spraying with 500 and 1000 ppm B2O3NPs reduces the percentage of fruit sunburn, cracking and increased fruiting percentage such as initial fruit set (%), fruit retention (%), total yield of fruits (kg/tree), and increasing yield (%), while fruit drop % was decreased in comparison to other treatments. In both seasons, T4 (22.37, 22.0 %) and T7 (18.74, 19.490 %) showed an increase in initial fruit set (%). Similarly, there was an increase in fruit retention (%) with T4 (33.08, 34.550 %) and T7 (29.13, 29.430 %) compared to the control. The highest yield increasing percentages were observed with T4 (98.88, 100.270 %) and T3 (66.65, 64.980 %) compared to the control. On the other hand, T4 (8.24, 8.04 %) had the lowest fruit cracking, followed by T7 (12.73, 9.9 %) in the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Similarly, the lowest percentage of sunburned fruit was observed with T4 (20.47, 20.4 %) and T4 (18.43, 16.77 %) in the two seasons compared to the control. In general, our findings indicate that the application of ZnONPs and B2O3NPs on fully bloomed wonderful pomegranate trees, six weeks after full bloom, and one month prior to harvest, resulted in enhanced growth and yield. Additionally, this treatment exhibited a reduction in abiotic stress-related issues, such as fruit cracking and sunburn.

Response of nutrient supplementation through INM on yield and quality parameters of pomegranate (Punica granatum)

A study was carried out during 2020–21 and 2021–22 at the research farm of Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana to investigate efficacy of different fertilizers on yield, yield attributing characters and biochemical parameter on pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa. Different doses of RDF 50%, 75%, 100% FYM, biofertilizers were evaluated against control by following randomized complete block design, 22 treatments with 3 replications. The results revealed that yield parameters, viz. fruit weight (260.83 g), aril weight (168.00 g), rind weight (92.83g), rind thickness (3.63 mm), fruit length (6.64 cm) and fruit diameter width (4.82 cm), number of fruits per tree (105.61), yield (27.55 kg/tree), fruit firmness (28.76 lb/inch2), fruit cracking (26.17%), fruit set (42.30%), fruit retention (76.19%), fruit drop (23.81%); and biochemical parameters, viz. juice content (35.23%), TSS (14.15 °Brix), acidity (0.82%) and TSS acid ratio (17.37), total sugar (12.06%), reducing sugar (9.86%), non- reducing sugar (2.31%), sugar: acid ratio (41.00) ascorbic acid (16.79 mg/100 g) and anthocyanin content (4.94 mg/100 g) were significantly affected by different organic amendments and biofertilizers treatment against control. Treatment T21-100% RDF + FYM + Azotobacter + PSB proved most effective in enhancing yield attributing characters and biochemical parameters of pomegranate. This treatment gave best result by increasing the nutritional status of the plant through the beneficial effects of different fertilizers.

Postharvest Diseases of Pomegranate: Alternative Control Means and a Spiderweb Effect.

The pomegranate is a fruit known since ancient times for its beneficial properties. It has recently aroused great interest in the industry and among consumers, leading to a significant increase in demand. Consequently, its cultivation has been boosted all over the world. The pomegranate crop suffers considerable yield losses, especially at the postharvest stage, because it is a "minor crop" with few permitted control means. To control latent (Alternaria spp., Botrytis spp., Coniella spp., Colletotrichum spp., and Cytospora spp.) and wound (Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., and Talaromyces spp.) fungal pathogens, different alternative compounds, previously evaluated in vitro, were tested in the field on pomegranate cv. Wonderful. A chitosan solution, a plant protein hydrolysate, and a red seaweed extract were compared with a chemical control treatment, all as preharvest (field application) and postharvest treatments and their combinations. At the end of the storage period, the incidence of stamen infections and external and internal rots, and the severity of internal decay were evaluated. Obtained data revealed that pre- and postharvest application of all substances reduced the epiphytic population on stamens. Preharvest applications of seaweed extract and plant hydrolysate were the most effective treatments to reduce the severity of internal pomegranate decays. Furthermore, the influence of spider (Cheiracanthium mildei) cocoons on the fruit calyx as a possible barrier against postharvest fungal pathogens was assessed in a 'Mollar de Elche' pomegranate organic orchard. Compared to no-cocoon fruit (control), the incidence of infected stamens and internal molds in those with spiderwebs was reduced by about 30%, and the mean severity of internal rots was halved. Spiderwebs analyzed via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) disclosed a layered, unordered structure that did not allow for the passage of fungal spores due to its mean mesh size (1 to 20 µm ca). The aims of this research were (i) to evaluate alternative compounds useful to control postharvest pomegranate decays and (ii) to evaluate the effectiveness of spiders in reducing postharvest fungal infections by analyzing related mechanisms of action. Alternative control means proposed in the present work and calyx spider colonization may be helpful to reduce postharvest pomegranate diseases, yield losses, and waste production in an integrated control strategy, satisfying organic agriculture and the planned goals of Zero Hunger Challenge launched by the United Nations.

Effect of different planting materials and chemicals on the fruit quality of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa

Effect of different planting materials and chemicals on the fruit quality of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa

Studies on Different Levels of Fertigation on Fruit Attributes and Quality of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Super Bhagwa

The experiment was conducted at Gangapur, Latur, Maharashtra, India during (Dec, 2017–June, 2018) to study effective use of fertilizers with a goal to match nutrient supply with crop requirements and minimize nutrient losses from fields. Fertilizers are considered basic requirements to get the maximum yield, quality and productivity of trees. Fertigation is advantageous over the application of solid fertilizers in the soil by minimizing the losses of fertilizers through runoff and leaching and increase the nutrient-use efficiency and saving amount of fertilizers, therefore to study the different levels of fertigation (Surface irrigation+RDF-control; Drip irrigation+RDF; 50% RDF through fertigation; 75% RDF through fertigation; 100% RDF through fertigation and 125% RDF through fertigation) on fruit attributes and quality of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Super Bhagwa. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design with six treatments and four replications. The investigation indicated 75% recommended dose of fertilizers through fertigation resulted, the highest average fruit weight (258.65 g), fruit volume (225.50 ml), weight of hundred arils (35.47 g), rind thickness (4.97 mm), rind weight (113.92 g) and arils weight (144.73 g). Same treatment recorded maximum juice percentage (80.20%), reducing sugar (11.70%), total sugar (12.83%) and T.S.S.: Acid ratio (45.60). Therefore, 75% recommended dose of fertilizers through fertigation can be recommended for improve fruit attributes and quality of pomegranate cv. Super Bhagwa for four to five years old tree.

Effect of Foliar Sprayof Gibberellins, Kelatex (ca), And Aminoplasmal on Vegetative Grwoth And Leaf Nutrient of Pomegranate Trees (punica Granatum L.) Cv. Mahdawi

This study was conducted during growing season of 2022 in a private orchard of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Mahdawi which is located at Dulib village, Duhok Governorate, Kurdistan region to evaluate the efficacy of foliar spray of, Gibberellins (GA3) Kelatex (Ca) and Aminoplasmal (A). The experiment designed as a factorial experiment in a randomized complete block (RCBD) with three replications, for each treatment and each replicate was represented by one tree. There were three concentrations of Gibberellins (0,50 and 100mg. L-1); three concentration of Ca (0, 200, and 400mg. L-1) and three concentrations of Aminoplasmal (0, 100 and 200ml.L-1) in the study. The results showed that GA3 at 100mg. L-1 had a significant effect on leaf area, leaf dry weight, leaf chlorophyll content, leaf nitrogen content and leaf calcium content when compared to control. On the other hand, that Ca at 400 mg. l-1 had significant effect on leaf dry weight, leaf chlorophyll and leaf calcium content when compared to control, in addition to Aminoplasmal at 200 mg. L-1   had significantly affected leaf area, leaf dry weight, chlorophyll content, nitrogen content, and calcium content. Furthermore, the interaction between (GA3, Ca and A) had significant effect on leaf chlorophyll, leaf calcium content, leaf nitrogen content, and leaf area at concentrations of (100, 400, and 200 mg. L-1) respectively. However, the leaf dry weight was significantly affected at concentrations of (100,200 and 200 mg. L-1) respectively

Influence of Different Organic Sources of Nutrients on Yield and Quality of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa

A field experiment entitled, Influence of different organic sources of nutrients on yield and quality of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa. The current study was designed in RBD with three replications consisting of twenty-two treatments with four different organic manures viz., farmyard manure, vermicompost, poultry manure and neem cake as a source of nitrogen and recommended dose of manure and fertilizers based on plant age with or without biofertilizers (Azotobacter, PSB & KMB) and biopesticides (Trichoderma viride and and Paecilomyces lilacinus). The findings based on pooled data discovered that maximum number of fruits per plant (59.50), yield per plant (12.41 kg), yield per hectare (19.86 tonne), fruit weight (239.39 g), fruit diameter (7.55 cm), aril weight per fruit (147.70 g), juice content per fruit (97.55 ml), peel weight per fruit (91.69 g) along with peel: aril ratio (0.62) was significantly noted under treatment 100 % RDN through poultry manure + 50 ml PSB + 25 ml KMB + 5 g Trichoderma viride + 5 ml Paecilomyces lilacinus. The maximum net return (4,12,840/ha) and BCR (3.26) were also obtained in same treatment. Significantly maximum TSS (16.15°Brix), reducing sugar (14.44 %), non-reducing (2.04 %) and total sugar (16.48 %) along with minimum titrable acidity (0.41 %) were recorded with application of 37.5 % RDN through FYM + 37.5 % RDN through neem cake + 50 ml Azotobacter culture + 50 ml PSB + 25 ml KMB + 5 g Trichoderma viride + 5 ml Paecilomyces lilacinus treatment. Whereas, maximum ascorbic acid content (16.72 mg/100 ml juice) was significantly found under treatment 100 % RDN through FYM + 50 ml PSB + 25 ml KMB + 5 g Trichoderma viride + 5 ml Paecilomyces lilacinus.

Effect of Organic Manures on Yield and Quality Characteristics of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Cv. Bhagwa

The research work carried out during Mrig bahar (July to December) in 2019 and 2020 at Technology park, CTAE and laboratories of Department of Horticulture, Rajasthan College of Agriculture, MPUAT, Udaipur (Rajasthan). It was conducted to investigate the effect of organic manures on yield and quality characteristics of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa. For this purpose selected 6 years old 42 pomegranate plants consisted of 14 treatments with different organic manures which are tested with randomized block design with three replications. Results showed that among all the treatments, the organic combination T13 - Jeevamrut 16.08 L plant-1 + Vermicompost 24.79 kg plant-1 has recorded significantly effect on fruit quality characteristics found maximum total soluble solids (13.54 oBrix), ascorbic acid (19.05 mg/100 ml juice) and reducing sugar (9.68 %), which was at par with treatment T2- RDF recorded total soluble solids (13.45 oBrix), ascorbic acid (18.92 mg/100 ml juice) and reducing sugar (9.63%). But, fruit yield characteristics like fruit volume (191.67 cm3) was found maximum in treatment T2- RDF which was at par with treatment T13 - Jeevamrut 16.08 L plant-1 + Vermicompost 24.79 kg plant-1 (190.50 cm3) on pooled data basis of both the year 2019 and 2020. It may be concluded that organic treatment is best for improving the quality as well similar yield as compare to inorganic treatment.

Improvement of the Physico-Chemical Properties, Nutritional, and Antioxidant Compounds of Pomegranate Fruit cv. ‘Wonderful’ Using Integrated Fertilization

This study comprised of five different integrated fertilizers of calcium nitrate Ca(NO3)2 with ammonium sulphate (NH4)2SO4 ratios (0%:100%, 10%:90%, 20%:80%, 30%:70%, and 40%:60%) to enhance the physico-chemical properties, and the antioxidant and nutritional compounds of pomegranate fruits cv. ‘Wonderful’. The results discovered that the application of Ca(NO3)2:(NH4)2SO4 in different ratios significantly affected all measured parameters. Among integrated fertilizers, the 30%:70% combination showed an increment of 10.8% in fruit weight, 2.9% in fruit length, 11.8% in fruit volume, and 7.0% in fruit diameter. Similarly, total soluble solids, vitamin C, anthocyanin, total sugars, and reduced sugars, were also increased by 11.2%, 14.6%, 20.2%, 7.4%, and 5.2%, respectively. Likewise, values of both color variations from green to red (a*) and from blue to yellow (b*), and chroma, were also increased by 13.8%, 16.6%, and 14.4%, respectively. Moreover, the application of Ca(NO3)2:(NH4)2SO4 at a ratio of 40%:60% showed 25.1% decrease in titratable acidity, and 45.4% and 27.0% increase in maturity index and peel luminosity, respectively. Additionally, the 30%:70% combination showed an increment of 30.9% in total phenolic content, 70.5% in total tannin content, and 43.6% in total flavonoid content. Additionally, it showed 25.8% and 1.7% decrease in pH and moisture content, respectively. Moreover, P, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Ni in fruit increased by different increments by application of the 30%:70% with an increasing range of 28% to 175%. A non-reducing sugar increase was observed at an application of Ca(NO3)2:(NH4)2SO4 at a ratio of 20%:80% by 47.0%. The findings of this study suggest that using calcium nitrate with ammonium sulphate at a ratio of 30%:70%, using the fertigation approach during the growth season, could be a safe, natural, and novel method for the pomegranate cv. ‘Wonderful’ to improve fruit quality, and its amount of antioxidants—specifically, phenolics, vitamin C, anthocyanin, and fruit minerals—with health benefits at harvest.

Determination of LD50 dose for ethyl methane sulphonate induced mutagenesis in Bhagwa Pomegranate

Mutation breeding utilizes both chemical and physical mutagens for inducing variability among existing genotypes. In mutation breeding, the estimation of LD50 is the initial step to finding the optimal dose to determine the best dose to produce a better revival of mutants with little population diminution. Pomegranate is a valued fruit and has immense nutraceutical and pharmaceutical properties. Its hardy nature, low maintenance, wider adaptability, high yield with better keeping quality, and better remuneration make it the choicest fruit to be grown in non-traditional areas in Uttarakhand. Pomegranate cv. Bhagwa is a high yielding variety, soft seeded, and have attractive aril colour. In the current experiment, mutagenesis was performed on hardwood cuttings of ‘Bhagwa’ pomegranate using alkylating agent Ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS). A total of 7 different treatments ranging from 25 mM to 150 mM were tested against control for their efficiency in mutant generation. The results revealed that there is a gradual decrease in the survival percentage of cuttings with increasing doses of mutagenic treatments. Based on the survival percentage of the treated cuttings, the probit curve analysis determined that the LD50 dosage of EMS for hardwood cuttings for Bhagwa pomegranate was 51.82 mM. Furthermore, reduction in chlorophyll content was observed with the application of higher doses of EMS.

Effect Of Nitrogen And Potassium On Pomegranate Cv. Bhagwa Under Red And Lateritic Zone Of West Bengal

The experiment was conducted with five levels of nitrogen and four levels of potassium per plant with twenty treatment combinations were applied to three years old pomegranate cv. Bhagwa trees at the Regional Research Sub-Station, Sekampur, Birbhum of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal. The highest yield was observed with N60 (4.103 kg/plant). In potassium application the yield /plant varied between 2.96 kg/plant (K0) to 3.664 kg/plant (K40). The combined application of N80K40 resulted in a 28.07 % (212.60g) increase in fruit weight compared to the control treatment (166.00g). The highest number of fruits/plants was recorded in treatment N60 (20.438) and lowest in control (13.688). Significantly maximum number of fruits /plants was noted in K40 (18.550). The highest increase in aril weight and juice weight could be observed with the application of N60K60 treatment. Quality analysis of the fruits showed maximum TSS with the 60 g/plant k. It is concluded that the combined application of N@60g and K@40 g per plant is beneficial in improving the yield and quality of three years old pomegranate plants under the red lateritic zone of West Bengal.

Effect of PGR, rooting substrates and biofertilizers on the growth of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa cuttings

Effect of PGR, rooting substrates and biofertilizers on the growth of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa cuttings