Pomegranate Production Research Articles

Highly Repetitive Genome of Coniella granati (syn. Pilidiella granati), the Causal Agent of Pomegranate Fruit Rot, Encodes a Minimalistic Proteome with a Streamlined Arsenal of Effector Proteins.

This study describes the first genome sequence and analysis of Coniella granati, a fungal pathogen with a broad host range, which is responsible for postharvest crown rot, shoot blight, and canker diseases in pomegranates. C. granati is a geographically widespread pathogen which has been reported across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and Africa. Our analysis revealed a 46.8 Mb genome with features characteristic of hemibiotrophic fungi. Approximately one third of its genome was compartmentalised within 'AT-rich' regions exhibiting a low GC content (30 to 45%). These regions primarily comprised transposable elements that are repeated at a high frequency and interspersed throughout the genome. Transcriptome-supported gene annotation of the C. granati genome revealed a streamlined proteome, mirroring similar observations in other pathogens with a latent phase. The genome encoded a relatively compact set of 9568 protein-coding genes with a remarkable 95% having assigned functional annotations. Despite this streamlined nature, a set of 40 cysteine-rich candidate secreted effector-like proteins (CSEPs) was predicted as well as a gene cluster involved in the synthesis of a pomegranate-associated toxin. These potential virulence factors were predominantly located near repeat-rich and AT-rich regions, suggesting that the pathogen evades host defences through Repeat-Induced Point mutation (RIP)-mediated pseudogenisation. Furthermore, 23 of these CSEPs exhibited homology to known effector and pathogenicity genes found in other hemibiotrophic pathogens. The study establishes a foundational resource for the study of the genetic makeup of C. granati, paving the way for future research on its pathogenicity mechanisms and the development of targeted control strategies to safeguard pomegranate production.

Effect of Pit and Soil Types on Growth and Development, Nutrient Content and Fruit Quality of Pomegranate in the Central Deccan Plateau Region, India

To enhance pomegranate production on marginal gravelly lands, standardized planting techniques were evaluated in an 8-year-old orchard. Trenching, wider pit excavation, pit digging, and auger digs with dimensions of 1 and 2 m were employed. Utilizing native soil from barren land, with or without spent wash, and mixing it with black soil up to 1 m deep, growth parameters, leaf nutrients, fruit production, and fruit quality were assessed. The trench and wider pit methods outperformed others, yielding greater above-ground biomass (>70.3 kg tree−1), root biomass (>24.5 kg, tree−1), and cross-sectional area (>3.30 m2 tree−1). These methods also produced longer roots (>4.0 m tree−1) and higher leaf phosphorus (>0.28%) and potassium (>1.81%) levels, fruit juice content (>48.50%), and total soluble solids (>16.05°) compared to other planting methods. This resulted in higher and more sustainable fruit yield production under the trench and wider pit planting methods (>7.21 t ha−1). Similarly, the native and black soil mixture produced healthy fruit trees, improved fruit quality, and sustainably higher fruit yield over the native soil alone. In summary, the trench and wider pit methods (2–3 m3), combined with a soil mixture, are recommended for sustainable, high-quality fruit production in shallow gravelly terrains, thereby improving food security and the livelihoods of farmers in arid regions.

Impact of PGRs, polyamines and potassium to improve pomegranate flowering behaviour, fruit set and fruit quality

Ever changing climate is affecting the flowering pattern in pomegranate worldwide. It is the need of the hour to find out some chemicals that can not only enhance hermaphrodite flowers and fruit set but also enhance fruit quality. The present investigation aimed to evaluate the effect of plant growth regulators (three), polyamines (two) and other chemicals (five) on photosynthesis, flowering ratio, fruit set and quality of pomegranate fruits. Pomegranate trees were treated at full leaf expansion stage. Potassium dihydrogen phosphate (5000 ppm), spermidine (1.5 ppm) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (20 ppm) were the best treatments to significantly enhance hermaphrodite flowers, as the hermaphrodite to male flower ratio was 0.39, 0.37, and 0.35, respectively, compared to 0.22 in the control treatment. Except spermidine, NAA and paclobutrazol, all treatments increased the fruit setting significantly, with potassium dihydrogen phosphate (5000 ppm) being the most effective treatment with 66% fruit set compared to 43% in control trees. In mature fruits, compared to control, NAA enhanced total phenols, ascorbic acid and total antioxidants (3%, 15%, 7%, respectively) followed by ascorbic acid treatment (250 ppm); potassium dihydrogen phosphate (5000 ppm) and putrescine (44 ppm) enhanced the anthocyanin content and hence aril color significantly (11% and 10% respectively). Though the use of NAA in pomegranate production is commercial practice, two sprays of ascorbic acid can also be included to enhance the nutritional quality of fruits. Foliar application of potassium dihydrogen phosphate twice at flowering stage could be highly useful for quality pomegranate production due to the enhanced number of hermaphrodite flowers, fruit setting and fruit color. Overall, use of these chemicals can be beneficial to pomegranate farmers to get more remuneration from harvest.

Seasonal Variation in Nematode Infestation Across Bahar Treatments in Pomegranate Cultivation

This study investigates the influence of three Bahar treatments—Ambe Bahar (spring flowering), Mrig Bahar (monsoon flowering), and Hasta Bahar (autumn flowering)—on the extent of nematode infestation in pomegranate orchards. The research was conducted in major pomegranate-growing regions of India, where soil samples were collected from fields practicing each of the Bahar treatments. The results revealed significant differences in nematode infestation levels across the three Bahar treatments. Mrig Bahar exhibited the lowest nematode density, with an average of 80 nematodes per 100g of soil, compared to 120 in Hasta Bahar and 150 in Ambe Bahar. Additionally, Mrig Bahar treatment was associated with the highest average yield (12.8 kg per plant) and superior fruit quality (Grade A). The findings suggest that Mrig Bahar offers a more conducive environment for nematode management, likely due to its timing relative to environmental conditions that may suppress nematode activity. The results revealed significant differences in nematode infestation levels across the three Bahar treatments. Mrig Bahar exhibited the lowest nematode density, with an average of 80 nematodes per 100g of soil, compared to 120 in Hasta Bahar and 150 in Ambe Bahar. Additionally, Mrig Bahar treatment was associated with the highest average yield (12.8 kg per plant) and superior fruit quality (Grade A). The findings suggest that Mrig Bahar offers a more conducive environment for nematode management, likely due to its timing relative to environmental conditions that may suppress nematode activity. This study underscores the importance of selecting the appropriate Bahar treatment to mitigate nematode infestation and optimize pomegranate production. The insights gained from this research can guide farmers in choosing the most effective cultivation practices, ultimately contributing to sustainable pomegranate farming and improved economic outcomes. Further research is recommended to explore the underlying mechanisms that confer resistance in Mrig Bahar and to develop integrated nematode management strategies tailored to specific Bahar treatments.

Morpho-Molecular and Management of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Wilt Caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata Ellis and Halst

Pomegranate wilt poses a significant threat to pomegranate production, holding considerable economic importance in the cultivated regions of pomegranates. The study investigated the wilt in pomegranate cultivation, revealing characteristic symptoms including yellowing and/or wilting of the leaves on a single branch usually in the upper crown and senescence. Brown discoloration was observed in the root, stem and branches of severely affected plants. The cross-sectioned root and stem portions of the wilted plants showed only the presence of brown discolorations in the vascular regions. The wilt incidence in Karnataka ranging from 1.14 to 62.06 Percent. PCR analysis and 18S rDNA region was sequenced, it has been confirmed C. fimbriata as the causal organism for pomegranate wilt and Phylogenetic analyses placed the pomegranate isolates among members of the LAC of the C. fimbriata complex; specifically, to populations that appear to be native to eastern and northern South America. Optimal growth of the pathogen was observed at 30 °C with pH 7.0 and best media for culturing C. fimbriata is Potato dextrose agar and Potato carrot agar, in vitro evaluation of fungicides showed propiconazole and mancozeb highest inhibiting mycelial growth. Trichoderma viride (Tv-3) and Bacillus subtilis emerged as the most effective bio-agent, while pongamia leaf extract exhibited maximum fungal growth inhibition. These can be used for the management of wilt disease.

Marketing Efficiency and Disposal Pattern of Pomegranate in Maharashtra, India

Aims: This research aims to identify factors that influence marketing efficiency and disposal patterns of pomegranates, with the aim of increasing farmer income and reducing post-harvest losses. Study Design: Vashi market near to Navi Mumbai was selected for the study purpose due to maximum hoarding of pomegranates in the states and from the other states as well. A total 60 Producers and 40 functionaries were asked to respond against a structured schedule which was prepared for the purpose. Place and Duration of Study: The study was undertaken as the mandatory project work programme of MBA (Agribusiness) which was undertaken jointly by International Agribusiness Management Institute and ABC Company, Maharashtra in the month of January-April 2024. Methodology: Different stakeholders, connected to the Vashi market were selected purposively to address the problem statement and the corresponding objectives which were analysed further through descriptive statistics and Acharya Measurement of Marketing Efficiency. Results: Producers were getting more than 60 percent of the share in consumer rupee irrespective of the four major channels. The state share in pomegranate production was also quite significant at the national sphere. Despite that, storage issues, transportation issues and some cases issues of packaging materials generate cost escalation for the stakeholders. It was observed, where farmers were doing primary processing before selling the pomegranate to the next stakeholders were getting good amount of net income from it. Conclusion: It is advised to encourage the development of the farmers’ market where producers can sell directly to consumers and reaping more benefit from their surpluses.

Machine learning-based life cycle assessment for environmental sustainability optimization of a food supply chain.

Effective resource allocation in the agri-food sector is essential in mitigating environmental impacts and moving toward circular food supply chains. The potential of integrating life cycle assessment (LCA) with machine learning has been highlighted in recent studies. This hybrid framework is valuable not only for assessing food supply chains but also for improving them toward a more sustainable system. Yet, an essential step in the optimization process is defining the optimization boundaries, or minimum and maximum quantities for the variables. Usually, the boundaries for optimization variables in these studies are obtained from the minimum and maximum values found through interviews and surveys. A deviation in these ranges can impact the final optimization results. To address this issue, this study applies the Delphi method for identifying variable optimization boundaries. A hybrid environmental assessment framework linking LCA, multilayer perceptron artificial neural network, the Delphi method, and genetic algorithm was used for optimizing the pomegranate production system. The results indicated that the suggested framework holds promise for achieving substantial mitigation in environmental impacts (potential reduction of global warming by 46%) within the explored case study. Inclusion of the Delphi method for variable boundary determination brings novelty to the resource allocation optimization process in the agri-food sector. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1759-1769. © 2024 SETAC.

A comprehensive assessment of the environmental footprint of pomegranate juice production system by life cycle assessment approach

This groundbreaking research conducts the first comprehensive life cycle assessment of pomegranate juice production system, identifying key environmental hotspots, and offering valuable insights for improving environmental performance. This study employs the ReCiPe method within SimaPro software to assess the environmental impacts per pack of 160 g of juice. The findings indicated that a pack of pomegranate juice leads to 0.15 kg CO2 eq. Among all factors affecting global warming, natural gas used for juicing stood out as the most significant, responsible for over one-third of the impacts. In addition, the amount of human carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic toxicity impact categories was equal to 0.004 and 0.063 kg 1,4-DCB, respectively, mainly due to the pomegranate production in the orchard phase. Fruit production is also an environmental hotspot in other impact categories. The emissions from chemical fertilizers and manure application, fruit transportation toward the factory, and diesel fuel consumption by machinery were recognized to be the main hotspots in the orchard. Based on the weighted damage categories, the production of one pack of juice led to 3.64 mPt damage to the environment. The damage to human health contributed to 88% of the weighted environmental damage. The outcome of the sensitivity analysis indicated that natural gas in the juicing process is the most important parameter in damage to human health, ecosystems, and resource. In line with that, efforts for optimized consumption of natural gas and its replacement with eco-friendly alternatives can be a promising approach in pomegranate juice production from the environmental point of view.

Assessment of the Knowledge Level of Pomegranate Production Technologies in Maharashtra, India

China is the world's top fruit grower, with India ranking in second. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujrat, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh are the main fruit-growing states in India. The present study was conducted in Maharashtra with the specific objective of determining “Knowledge Level of the Pomegranate Growers”. Nashik, Sholapur and Ahmednagar districts were purposively selected for the study, as they are some of the maximum pomegranates growing districts in Maharashtra state. A Total of 180 pomegranate growers were selected from six talukas of these districts. Descriptive statistics was used for data analysis. The study revealed that more than four fifth (83.34 %) of the pomegranate growers had medium level of knowledge about pomegranate production technologies, followed by 12.77 per cent and 03.89 per cent of the pomegranate growers having low and high level of knowledge, respectively.

Effects of thiobacillus bacteria on physiology and vegetative growth of pomegranate

The climate change and consequent degradation of soil and water resources have led to difficult conditions for farmers; thus, they should make intelligent decisions to face these statuses. Managing soil nutrient and mineral uptake by plants and its feasibility under harsh environment must be considered. Therefore, the present research was conducted to investigate the response of pomegranate variety Shishe Kab to Thiobacillus bacteria (B) and sulfur (S) fertilization. Treatments included sulfur fertilization (three levels: 0, 500 and 1000 g−1 tree) and inoculation with Thiobacillus bacteria (two levels: inoculated and non-inoculated). Totally, sulfur fertilization and inoculation with bacteria improved physiological and biochemical aspects and fruit production of pomegranate. Supplying S decreased soil pH, which the lowest value (5.2) was recorded in 500 g S tree−1 when accompanied with bacteria. Soil electrolyte leakage (EL) increased, when sulfur incorporated or when bacteria added to the soil. The interactive effects of B × S was significant on fruit diameter and weight, chlorophyll (Chl), carotenoid and potassium content, which were improved, although non-inoculated plants also showed high values of potassium content. Anthocyanin and total carbohydrate improved when bacteria inoculation was done; however, total acidity (TA) and total soluble solids (TSS) showed a significant decrease. The EL variable significantly decreased and tissue water content increased in this experiment, when inoculation or sulfur fertilization was used. The results obtained from present study emphasized on the necessity of using sulfur and Thiobacillus bacteria in increasing growth and yield and also chilling tolerance of pomegranate trees.

Livelihood & Climate Change Implication of In-situ Conservation Strategies for Punica granantum and Syzygium cumini in Sunni Tehsil, Shimla H. P. India

Sustainably harvesting and selling wild fruits can offer rural communities an economical source of income while concurrently safeguarding ecosystems. This study aims for the global promotion of wild edible fruits (WEFs) in the rural areas of Sunni Nagar Panchayat, located in the Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh. This study primarily focuses on comprehensively documenting the utilization of wild edible fruits by local inhabitants through a structured survey and in-depth interviews. Employing a multistage random sampling technique, five villages—Ambari, Kadog, Kamla dugri, Kalwi, and Basantpur—were chosen based on the prevalence of Punica granatum and Syzygium cumini. This research underscores the economic advantages of collecting WEFs for rural communities, providing them with affordable and easily accessible food sources. Additionally, it promotes public awareness, community-based management, and research on indigenous fruits to diversify diets and contribute to the overall well-being of these communities.
 Pomegranate and Jamun (local names referring to the botanical species of Punica granatum and Syzygium cumini, respectively) trees play crucial roles in ecological conservation by offering habitat, shelter, and promoting biodiversity, while also combating soil erosion. However, escalating threats such as population growth, forest fires, urbanization, and timber extraction endanger this rich biodiversity. To counter plant extinction risks, a strategic approach to forest conservation is imperative, emphasizing sustainable collection and trade of underutilized species beneficial for food, medicine, and income. Climate change poses challenges to pomegranate production, impacting orchards with temperature fluctuations, altered precipitation, extreme weather, and pests. Adaptation measures, including irrigation, pest management, and diversification, are crucial. Preserving wild pomegranate and Jamun demands habitat protection, restoration, and sustainable agriculture through agroforestry research, community engagement, and supportive policies. Integrating traditional knowledge with modern conservation ensures a comprehensive approach, actively preserving genetic diversity, ecological balance, and cultural relevance through multi-dimensional conservation efforts for Pomegranate and Jamun.

Knowledge level of pomegranate growers about recommended pomegranate production technologies of UAS Dharwad

The present study was conducted with specific objective to study the knowledge level of pomegranate growers about recommended pomegranate production technologies in Vijayapura and Bagalkot districts of Karnataka, respectively. Total of 8 villages were selected for the study and 15 pomegranate growing farmers from each village were randomly selected to constitute a total sample of 120 farmers. It was noticed that almost two fifth (39.17 %) of the pomegranate farmers belonged to medium knowledge level category, 32.50 per cent of them belonged to low knowledge level category and 28.33 per cent of them belonged to high knowledge level category, respectively. Cent per cent of the pomegranate growers had knowledge about the varieties, planting material, spacing, time of planting, frequency of pruning and mode of irrigation. Large majority of them had knowledge about chemicals to control pests (90.00%), size of the pit (85.00 %), chemicals to control diseases (80.00 %) and diseases of pomegranate (78.33 %). Majority of them had knowledge about the type of soil (71.67%), frequency of fertilizer application (66.67%) and pests of pomegranate (60.00 %). More than half (59.17 %) of them had knowledge about the frequency of irrigation and Bahar treatment (55.83 %). About 45.83 per cent of them had knowledge about the pit filling process with FYM, 43.33 per cent of them had knowledge about the growth regulators used, 41.67 per cent of them had knowledge about the proportion of NPK application per tree and 39.17 per cent of them had knowledge about the rest period given during Bahar treatment. Equal percentage of them (33.33 %) had knowledge about types of Bahar treatments and average yield per tree. About 30.83 per cent of knew about the quantity of FYM application and 23.33 per cent knew about intercropping in pomegranate and 19.16 per cent of them knew about the weedicides.

Profile characteristics of pomegranate growers of North Karnataka

The present study explored the profile characteristics of pomegranate growers regarding their knowledge and adoption of recommended pomegranate production practices.The present study was conducted in Vijayapura and Bagalkot districts of Karnataka state during 2022-23. “Ex-post facto” research design was employed for the study. The required data on profile characteristics of pomegranate growing farmers was collected by using simple random sampling technique in Vijayapura and Bagalkot districts, constituting a total sample size of 120 farmers.Statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation were used to categorize the profile characteristics. It was observed that majority (65.00 %) of the pomegranate farmers belonged to middle age group, 33.33 per cent of them were illiterates, large majority (86.66 %) of them had medium family size, 32.50 per cent of them were semi-medium farmers, more than half (59.17 %) of them had less than 2.50 acres under pomegranate cultivation, majority (70.84 %) of them had pomegranate farming experience of about 1 to 5 years, 35.83 per cent of them had medium extension participation, more than half (54.17 %) of them had low extension contact, two fifth (40.00 %) of them had low mass media exposure, more than two fifth (45.83 %) of them had low social media utilization, two fifth (40.83 %) of them had medium level of innovativeness, 37.50 per cent of them had medium level of economic motivation and 35.83 per cent of them had medium level of market orientation.

Determining the optimal combination of production factors in pomegranate production farms in Diyala Province-Iraq: An analytical study for the season 2022

This study aimed to analyze the reality of pomegranate production in Diyala Governorate - Iraq for the season 2022 using the Cobb-Douglas function model, with the aim of achieving optimization in production through the Lagrange method. The production function it estimated for a sample of pomegranate orchards, the function included production, as a dependent factor and each of labor, capital, and area are independent factors. The optimal combination of productive factors that achieve the optimal production volume reached (6.985) tons / hectare in the short-run. The total cost function was also estimated, including the optimal production volume in the long- run, which reduces costs, reaching (30.8) tons / hectare, which is achieved by exploiting the optimal area of the orchard, which amounted to (32.667) hectare. While the long-run profit-maximizing production reached (21.077) tons/hectare, it was recommended to use the optimal combination of production factors that have been reached, which achieve optimal production that reduces costs, and then increase the areas planted with pomegranate trees in the long-run in the study region.

Export competitiveness of Pomegranates from India

Pomegranate is an important fruit crop of arid and semiarid regions of the world. In 2021-22, India had an area of 2.7 lakh hectares under pomegranate cultivation with a production of 30.86 lakh metric tonnes and a productivity of 11.4 metric tonnes/ha; 99043.09 tonnes of fresh pomegranates were exported from India to other countries with a value of `688.76 crores. In the present study, export competitiveness of Indian pomegranates was analysed by using nominal protection coefficient (NPC) under the exportable hypothesis for a period of 20 years from 2002-03 to 2021-22. Time series data were collected from the websites of APEDA, NHB and Indiastat. Nominal protection coefficient (NPC) for pomegranates was found to be greater than unity in period I (1.29) while in period II, the NPC was found to be less than unity (0.82). This showed that pomegranates were not export competitive in period I while they were moderately competitive in period II. In the overall period, the NPC value was found to be 0.95 indicating that Indian pomegranates were internationally competitive. Hence, the Government may focus on international relative pricing and formulate targeted strategies to increase domestic pomegranate production through widespread promotion initiatives in the country.

The Simultaneous Use of 1-Methylcyclopropene and Methyl Jasmonate Vapor as an Innovative Strategy for Reducing Chilling Injury and Maintaining Pomegranate Fruit Quality at Suboptimal Temperatures.

Spain is one of the main contributors to global pomegranate production. Pomegranate presents a challenge for preservation at suboptimal temperatures. Preserving this fruit for an extended period is challenging due to its susceptibility to chilling injury (CI). For this reason, we have examined different postharvest treatments to extend the pomegranate shelf life and their potential impact on reducing CI. For this reason, two postharvest treatments have been applied: 1-Methylcyclopropene (1000 nL L-1 1-MCP) and methyl jasmonate vapors (0.01 mM MeJA), a natural elicitor found in many plant organs that induces a wide range of physiological processes, including the activation of defense mechanisms against stress. Following the application of these treatments and subsequent fruit storage at 2 °C for 90 days, maintenance of firmness and membrane integrity was observed. Additionally, a positive synergic effect was observed in these quality traits when combining both substances (1-MCP + MeJA), especially with regard to delaying weight loss, the external color evolution, and total polyphenol accumulation. On the other hand, MeJA treatment alone or in combination with 1-MCP also increased the anthocyanin content in arils, thereby enhancing the fruit quality. In general, the best results were observed when these two different technologies were applied as a combined treatment, especially in terms of maintaining quality traits such as fruit firmness and total acidity and reducing weight loss and CI. This is the first time that these two substances have been tested together in any fruit species, and their simultaneous application in the same container represents an innovative approach that could be an interesting tool for commercial purposes.

Searching for a deficit irrigation strategy to save water and improve fruit quality without compromising pomegranate production

Deficit irrigation (DI) strategies have frequently studied in drought resistant crops to optimise water-use-efficiency and save water. Four different DI strategies were studied in fifteen-year-old pomegranate trees (Punica granatum (L.) cv. Mollar de Elche) during the season of 2021: irrigation at 120 % of ETc during the whole season (control, C); irrigation at 50 % of ETc during the whole season (SDI); irrigation at 50 % of ETc during the linear fruit growth phase (RDIfg) and irrigation at 25 % of ETc during the ripening phase (RDIr). The effects of DI treatments on water relations, gas exchange, canopy temperature, yield and fruit quality were analysed. Water status of pomegranate responded closely to changes in soil water content. The reduction of leaf osmotic potential and leaf osmotic potential at full turgor to SDI, RDIfg and RDIr treatments indicated an osmotic adjustment. The stem water potential and the crop water stress index were more sensitive to water stress than gas exchange. SDI treatment increased non-marketable fruit weight and number. Nevertheless, RDIfg treatment could be considered a non-critical period because of the low sensitivity to water stress of trees, yield maintenance and the increase of nutritional organic compounds in fruits, saving 27 % of irrigation water. The application of RDIr produced the highest content of bioactive compounds, saving 8 % of water saving with a slight increase of non-marketable fruit number and weight. This suggests that the intensity and duration in which the deficit irrigation was applied could set the threshold irrigation conditions above which pomegranate production could be negatively affected.

Assessment of Knowledge of Pomegranate Growers of Banaskantha District, Gujarat on Pomegranate Production Technology

Aims: To assess the knowledge level of pomegranate growers in the Banaskantha district of Gujarat, regarding pomegranate production technology both before and after training programme.
 Study Design: No experimental quantitative ex post facto research.
 Place and Duration of Study: Targeted farmers from four talukas within the jurisdiction of the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK).
 Methodology: Total 30 trainings covering various aspects of pomegranate production were, conducted both on-campus and off-campus, during year 2019-2022 and 150 trainee farmers were randomly selected for pre- and post-training evaluations. The questionnaire was prepared to evaluate the knowledge.
 Results: The overall findings revealed that 48.33 percent of growers possessed low knowledge, 36.50 percent had medium knowledge, and 15.17 percent exhibited a higher level of knowledge concerning pomegranate production technology. Specifically, 20.67 percent and 16.67 percent of growers demonstrated good knowledge in integrated nutrient management and harvesting techniques, respectively. Conversely, 49.33 percent and 40.00 percent of growers exhibited low knowledge levels in harvesting techniques, fruit cracking and sun scalding management, and integrated nutrient management. Moreover, the majority of pomegranate growers demonstrated limited knowledge in post-harvest handling (61.33 percent), pest and disease management (56.00 percent), bahar management (50.67 percent), layout and planting, as well as the management of fruit cracking, sun scalding, 48.67 percent), as well as fruit setting and fruit quality management (48.00 percent). The mean knowledge score for pest and disease management was 108.33, which showed substantial improvement from the pre-training mean score of 36.03. Whereas, the aspect of bahar management demonstrated the most significant increase in knowledge (125.15).
 Conclusion: The post-training evaluation indicated an overall knowledge enhancement of 92.57 percent on various aspects of pomegranate production technology. The assessment of knowledge among pomegranate growers on pomegranate production technology reveals both strengths and areas for improvement.

Enhancement of Propagation Using Organic Materials and Growth Hormone: A Study on the Effectiveness of Growth and Rooting of Pomegranate Cuttings

Pomegranate production in Afghanistan is increasing remarkably, but nursery services are lacking, leading to inconsistent growth and low rooting percentages in cuttings. Hence, this research was conducted at the greenhouse of Nangarhar University, Faculty of Agriculture, to investigate the efficacy of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) and organic materials, namely banana, garlic, aloe vera, and panchagavya, as rooting promoters on cuttings of the ideal seedless pomegranate cultivar (Bedana). The cuttings were derived from one-year-old dormant branches in mid-February of 2023. The findings indicated that panchagavya and aloe vera significantly (p < 0.05) accelerated the sprouting process of pomegranate cuttings, resulting in 100% rooting, while IBA showed a delayed initiation of sprouting. In contrast, banana had a detrimental effect on the sprouting of the cuttings. IBA and organic materials, except banana and garlic, significantly influenced all the shoot parameters. Among the treatments, panchagavya (21.1%), IBA (23.4%), and aloe vera (26.8%) demonstrated the highest number of shoots per cutting compared to the control. A consistent soil plant analysis development (SPAD) pattern was observed across treatments, positively correlating with shoot and root parameters (range, r = 0.30–0.97). The application of organic materials significantly (p < 0.05) impacted root length, acrobasal roots, root diameter, total root length, and root fresh weight. However, banana and garlic yielded contrasting results in most of these parameters. In conclusion, aloe vera and panchagavya are found to be more suitable for propagating pomegranates through cuttings, making them excellent alternatives to IBA for nurserymen and companies.

First report of Colletotrichum grevilleae causing fruit anthracnose of pomegranate in Taiwan.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), native to northern India, is a popular fruit crop. In Taiwan, pomegranate is mainly cultivated in the mid and southern regions including Waipu, Taichung and Neipu, Pingtung. However, diseases affecting production and quality of pomegranate are largely understudied in Taiwan where gray mold and Cercospora leaf spot of pomegranate were ever reported (Hsieh, 1978; Hsieh and Wu, 1989). Pomegranate fruit (cv. Tunisia) showing anthracnose symptoms were found in a commercial pomegranate farm of 0.4 ha in Waipu (N24.33111, E120.68978) in August 2020. Around 40% fruit were infected and displayed symptoms of brown sunken lesions with indistinct edges typically occurred at the fruit ripening stage (supplementary Fig. S1). To isolate the pathogen, diseased exocarps were surface sterilized with 1% NaOCl followed by 70% ethanol. Surface-sterilized tissues were placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) and incubated at 25°C. A fungus was consistently isolated from diseased fruit, and five isolates (PGCo1, WP1, WP2, WP3, and WP4) were obtained. When cultured on PDA 25℃ under near UV light (360 nm) with a 12-h:12-h light/dark cycle for 10 days, the isolates initially produced white hyphae and subsequently formed dark gray to olivaceous black colonies with white edge, and no conidiomata was observed (supplementary Fig. S1). Conidia were usually aseptate, hyaline, cylindrical to ellipsoid and obtuse at either one or both ends (supplementary Fig. S1), and measured 16.0 ± 1.6 (11.4-18.9) × 5.6 ± 0.5 (4.5-6.9) μm (n = 100). The isolates were further identified by sequence comparison and phylogenetic analysis of concatenated partial sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the rDNA, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), beta-tubulin (TUB2), chitin synthase 1 (CHS-1), actin (ACT) and calmodulin (CAL) genes (Weir et al., 2012). The sequences were deposited in the GenBank under accession numbers ON849040-ON849044 and ON862106-ON862130. BLASTn searches showed the ITS sequences of the pomegranate isolates were 100% identical to that of C. grevilleae CBS 132879T (NR_163525). The ACT, GAPDH and TUB2 sequences of the isolates were 100%, 100% and 99.57%, respectively, identical to those of C. grevilleae CBS 132879T (KC296941, KC297010 and KC297102). The CHS-1 sequences were 99.67-100% identical to that of C. grevilleae CBS 132879T (KC296987). The CAL sequences showed 91.50% and 100% identity with those of C. grevilleae CBS 132879T (KC296963) and C. grossum CAUG7T (KP890147), respectively, both members of the C. gloeosporioides species complex. Multilocus sequence analysis of the combined data was conducted using MEGA X software (Kumar et al., 2018). The five isolates were clustered with C. grevilleae CBS 132879T, indicating that the pomegranate isolates are C. grevilleae (Supplementary Fig. S2). For pathogenicity test, 6 symptomless ripe pomegranate fruit (cv. Tunisia) were surface sterilized, wounded by stabbing a sterile needle, and inoculated with a conidial suspension (10 μl each, 1×106 conidia/ml) of PGCo1. Sterile water was used as control. The inoculated fruit were kept in a moist plastic chamber (>95% relative humidity, 25 ± 2°C) in darkness. The experiment was performed twice. Seven days post inoculation, the artificially inoculated fruit showed anthracnose symptoms of sunken brown lesions indistinguishable from the natural infection. The control remained symptomless. The same fungus was repeatedly isolated from the symptomatic fruit, fulfilling Koch's postulates. Prior to this study, only the ex-type strain of C. grevilleae was collected from root and collar rot of Grevillea sp. (Liu et al., 2013). This is the first report of C. grevilleae causing anthracnose on pomegranate in Taiwan. Since no fungicide has been approved for pomegranate cultivation in Taiwan, future study is necessary to develop a management strategy against this disease.