Pomegranate Varieties Research Articles

Assessment of Phytochemicals and Antioxidants of Nine Pomegranate Varieties Under Subtropics

Assessment of Phytochemicals and Antioxidants of Nine Pomegranate Varieties Under Subtropics

Transcriptome and Metabolome Analyses Reveal the Mechanism of Color Differences in Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Red and White Petals.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an important economic tree, possessing both edible and ornamental value. Flower color is an important ornamental trait of pomegranate, but the color formation pattern and related molecular mechanisms of pomegranate petals are still unclear. In this study, we conducted physiological, transcriptomic, and metabolomic studies on the petals of Tunisia and White pomegranate varieties during the blooming stage. The results showed that compared to White petals, the contents of anthocyanin, carotenoid, and sucrose in Tunisia petals were significantly increased, while the flavonoid content was significantly decreased. Through RNA-seq, 23 DEGs were identified in the anthocyanin synthesis, and 3 DEGs were identified in the carotenoid synthesis. Transcription factor genes such as MYB, bHLH, WRKY, and MADS were identified as key candidates for regulating anthocyanin metabolism. Metabolomic analysis revealed that eight DEMs are associated with anthocyanin synthesis and three DEMs are associated with carotenoid synthesis. In addition, caffeic acid and its derivatives were significantly upregulated in Tunisia petals. In summary, we propose the following hypothesis: the accumulation of anthocyanins and carotenoids is the reason for the red color of Tunisian petals, and the upregulation of structural genes, including PAL, C4H, 4CL, CHS, CHI, F3H, F3'H, DFR, ANS, PSY, and LCYB, leads to an increase in their content. Transcription factor genes such as MYB, bHLH, bZIP, MADS, and WRKY may also play a positive role in anthocyanin accumulation. The research results provide a basis for the theory of pomegranate petal color formation.

Оценка водно-физических свойств почвы при возделывании сортов граната в сухих субтропиках

Abstract. The purpose of the research was to study the water regime of meadow chestnut soil in the conditions of Southern Dagestan in connection with the use for pomegranate plantations. Generally accepted methods were used for studying the soil of the experimental sites: the morphological description of the soil was carried out according to Golubev I.F.; the structural composition – according to N.I. Savinov; the mechanical composition – by the method of N.A. Kachinskiy; the soil density – by the device of N.A. Kachinskiy; the specific gravity – by the technometric method; the lowest moisture capacity of the soil – by flooding the area according to N.A. Kachinskiy; the permanent wilting point – by the method of seedlings according to S.I. Dolgov in natural conditions, i.e. directly on pomegranate plantations; the maximum hygroscopic moisture – according to the method of A.V. Nikolaev; the moisture content at capiillary rupture was calculated according to the method of S.I. Dolgov; the soil filtration – according to the method of N.A. Kachinskiy. For the first time, the permanent wilting point threshold of the pomegranate plant (8.5 %) was established and the ability of the pomegranate plant to assimilate the maximum hygroscopic moisture of the soil was revealed. It has been established that the regulation of the water regime of the soil is the main link on which the efficiency of other factors depends. In arid areas, the use of fertilizers and machinery, without improving the water regime, cannot ensure a high yield. The assessment of the optimality of soil conditions and limiting factors in the cultivation of introduced pomegranate varieties showed that the specific gravity of the soil, depending on the depth of sampling, is 2.6-2.72 g/cm3 , the soil density is 1.26-1.31 g/cm3 , the absolute moisture content is 14.1-25.0 %, the porosity is 41.2-57.2 %, the physical sand is 52.4-60.6 %, the physical clay is 39.4-47.6 %, the lowest moisture capacity is 20.6-26.2 %, and the permanent wilting point is 11.4-17.9 %. Positive correlations were obtained between the depth of soil sampling on the one hand and the specific gravity of soil particles (r = 0.53), the soil density (r = 0.65), the absolute soil moisture (r = 0.93), the porosity (r = 0.90), the physical sand (r = 0.94), the physical clay in the soil (r = 0.95), the lowest moisture capacity (r = 0.97), and the permanent wilting point (r = 0.90). In the irrigated conditions of the dry subtropics of Southern Dagestan, characterized by aridity, the exchange of heat and light to obtain annual guaranteed yields of high-quality fruits of introduced pomegranate varieties, the optimal irrigation regime is 80 % of the FMC. Keywords: Southern Dagestan, dry subtropics, water regime, pomegranate culture, limiting factors, correlation coefficient

Effects of IMAZALIL on the Storage Stability and Quality of 'Sefri Ouled Abdellah' and 'Kingdom' Pomegranate Varieties.

Employing post-harvest treatments to maintain pomegranate fruit quality during storage is a prevalent practice within the food industry. IMAZALIL (IMZ), a fungicide, has demonstrated efficacy in reducing both the incidence of chilling injury symptoms and the presence of pathogenic fungi. This study aims to assess the impact of IMZ treatment on the technological quality (weight loss, color attributes (C* and h°), pH, titratable acidity, and total soluble solids), nutritional properties (total sugars content), and functional properties (total phenolic compounds (TPC) and total anthocyanin content (TAC)) in pomegranate fruits of the 'Sefri Ouled Abdellah' and 'Kingdom' cultivars. These fruits were collected in the Beni Mellal region and immediately stored at 4 °C for 120 days. Untreated pomegranates exhibited significant degradation in overall quality when stored in cold conditions. The fruits treated with IMZ are characterized by a major loss in weight (3.41% to 20.11%) compared to the control fruits (1.62% to 13.19%). This was accompanied by more pronounced color degradation in the IMZ-treated fruits relative to the control. This study substantiates the effectiveness of IMZ treatment in prolonging the post-harvest quality of pomegranates during cold storage, demonstrating superior efficacy in delaying losses in bioactive compounds by 39.44% and enhancing nutritional properties by 18.84%. This finding initiates the exploration of optimal IMZ concentrations and the best treatments to maintain the overall quality of pomegranate fruits.

Genome assembly of pomegranate highlights structural variations driving population differentiation and key loci underpinning cold adaption.

Cold damage poses a significant challenge to the cultivation of soft-seeded pomegranate varieties, hindering the growth of the pomegranate industry. The genetic basis of cold tolerance in pomegranates has remained elusive, largely due to the lack of high-quality genome assemblies for cold-tolerant varieties and comprehensive population-scale genomic studies. In this study, we addressed these challenges by assembling a high-quality chromosome-level reference genome for 'Sanbai', a pomegranate variety renowned for its freezing resistance, achieving an impressive contig N50 of 15.93Mb. This robust assembly, enhanced by long-read sequencing of 38 pomegranate accessions, facilitated the identification of 14 239 polymorphic structural variants, revealing their critical roles in genomic diversity and population differentiation related to cold tolerance. Of particular significance was the discovery of a ~ 5.4-Mb inversion on chromosome 1, which emerged as an important factor affecting cold tolerance in pomegranate. Moreover, through the integration of bulked segregant analysis, differential selection analysis, and genetic transformation techniques, we identified and validated the interaction between the PgNAC12 transcription factor and PgCBF1, disclosing their pivotal roles in response to cold stress. These findings mark a significant advancement in pomegranate genomics, offering novel insights into the genetic mechanisms of cold tolerance and providing valuable resources for the genetic improvement of soft-seeded pomegranate varieties.

A Chromosome level assembly of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) variety grown in arid environment

The pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is an ancient fruit-bearing tree known for its nutritional and antioxidant properties. They originated from the Middle East in regions having large farms including mountainous regions of Al-Baha in Saudi Arabia. Pomegranates can tolerate arid climates and are considered among the fruits that will play a major role in food security. However, the genomics resources of pomegranate growing in arid regions are scarce. Here, we present a high-quality chromosome-level reference genome using PacBio HiFi long reads. The final assembly was 384.65 Mb with N50 contig size of 43.11 Mb, with 353.42 Mb being anchored on the eight pseudo chromosomes. Annotation revealed that 48.79% of the genome comprises repetitive elements and contains 21,620 protein-coding genes. The new reference genome will contribute to identifying stress resistance traits in pomegranates thriving in arid environments as well as new dietary antioxidants and antimicrobial peptides with pharmaceutical and therapeutic applications.

Characterization of colour, phenolics, and volatile compounds of 6 pomegranate varieties grown in Yunnan

Abstract Our study analysed the quality differences between 6 pomegranate varieties grown in Yunnan. The results showed that the composition and contents of anthocyanins, the amount of polymeric pigments produced by the reaction between anthocyanins and tannins, and pH were the primary factors affecting the colour of pomegranate arils. Fructose and citric acid were the main sugar and organic acid contributing to the taste of pomegranate arils. In total, 42 phenolic compounds were identified, with BS being classified as a distinct group due to higher concentrations of ACNs and flavonols. Additionally, 32 volatile compounds were identified, with TLZ, SP, and TGY grouped, BS, TNS, and HRY grouped into another. The key phenolic metabolic pathways included flavone and flavonol biosynthesis, anthocyanin biosynthesis, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, while fatty acid biosynthesis, pyruvate metabolism, and sulfur metabolism were the main volatile metabolic pathways. These results provide valuable guidance for agricultural practices and promoting industrial development.

Cold Storage Effects on Quality Attributes and Bioactive Compounds of Moroccan Pomegranate Varieties

Pomegranate is a seasonal fruit known for its high nutritional quality but with a limited shelf life. Thus, cold storage is frequently utilized as a conservation technique to prolong the shelf life of pomegranate fruits. Nevertheless, the valuable nutritional properties and technological quality of pomegranates can degrade notably over storage time. The aim of this study is to evaluate the chemical and technological stability of five pomegranate cultivars (“Purple Queen,” “Smith,” “Mr100,” “Sefri Ouled Abdellah,” and “Kingdom”) during cold storage. These cultivars represent the most widely cultivated varieties in the region and are among the most significant and predominant in Morocco, but they have a limited postharvest shelf life. The study evaluated various aspects including technological quality (weight loss, color attributes (L∗, a∗, b∗, C∗, and h°)), physicochemical parameters (pH, total soluble solids (TSSs), and titratable acidity (TA)), and bioactive compounds (total phenolic content (TPC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), condensed tannins (CTs), and total flavonoid content (TFC)) over 120 days of cold storage at 4°C. The findings indicated that the weight loss and pH increased gradually for all cultivars, with “Mr100” showing a significant increase in weight loss (0%–29.12%) and pH (4.01 to 4.76). Regarding TPC, TFC, and TAC, all cultivars exhibited substantial reductions in bioactive compounds over storage period, with the “Kingdom” variety experiencing high TAC losses, averaging 84.82%, while “Sefri Ouled Abdellah” showed notable TPC losses, averaging 69.97%. In addition, “Mr100” and “Smith” showed high CTs and TFC losses. Briefly, cold storage significantly impacts the chemical composition and overall quality of pomegranate fruits. This study offers new insights into the storage stability, conservation aptitude, and potential shelf‐life enhancement of these specific cultivars over 120 days of cold storage at 4°C. These findings can be valuable for producers and the food industry, as they highlight the importance of monitoring storage conditions to optimize pomegranate quality and extend shelf life, ultimately improving consumer satisfaction and reducing waste.

Phytochemical composition and anti-oxidant, anti-Alzheimer and anti-inflammatory activities of pomegranate fruit as function of variety and ripening

Phytochemical composition and anti-oxidant, anti-Alzheimer and anti-inflammatory activities of pomegranate fruit as function of variety and ripening

First comprehensive evaluation of genetic variability for bacterial blight resistance in wild Punica granatum L. populations from the North-Western Himalayas

First comprehensive evaluation of genetic variability for bacterial blight resistance in wild Punica granatum L. populations from the North-Western Himalayas

CHARACTERIZATION OF NEWLY INTRODUCED POMEGRANATE VARIETIES

The paper is focused on examining and selecting morphometric indicators of leaves and flowers from genotypes within the collection of the pomegranate varieties. The research was carried out on 6 varieties of pomegranate plants, collected and introduced from diverse ecological and geographical regions. The objective was to collect, cultivate and assess the technological features of pomegranate varieties and forms. The morphometric characteristics of generative and vegetative organs from the “Malas” and “Kirmizi Gazyan” varieties were studied for the first time. Observation of pomegranate flower petals revealed that different sizes could be found in both long toothed (LT), middle toothed (MT) and short-toothed (ShT) flowers, suggesting petal size is not determined by flower type. The difference between the leaves of these two varieties was found to be insignificant. Flower diameter showed variability across all three types of flowers. The biological and economic significance of the newly developed form F-6-8 and the varieties “Malta”, “Oleg” and “Devachi” was also assessed. “F-6-8” and “Malta” are sweet varieties, while “Oleg” and “Devachi” are sweet and sour varieties. “Malta” was distinguished by its fruit weight (380.4 g), thin skin (2.5 g) and high juice yield (50.4%).

Pomegranate Quality from Consumers' Perspective: Drivers of Liking, Preference Patterns, and the Relation between Sensory and Physico-Chemical Properties.

Acquiring information on consumer preferences for the sensory properties of pomegranates is a cue for breeding programmes to set their quality targets and promote the consumption of this particularly healthy fruit. In this study, a total of 12 pomegranate varieties were evaluated, including commercial (Valenciana, Illina, Tastem, Rugalate, Wonderful, Mollar 49 y Mollar 45) and new varieties (Ref 102, Ref 383, H3/27, and D27/12). For the first time, consumers not only scored their acceptance of different pomegranate varieties but also described their sensory properties using CATA questions. This approach allowed us to identify the main drivers of liking, preference patterns, and the relationship between sensory and physico-chemical properties. Of all the sensory attributes, acidity intensity was revealed as the main driver of liking/disliking, and two different consumer preference patterns were identified: 'low acid pomegranate lovers' and 'acid pomegranate lovers'. Seed properties like the intensity of woody flavour and seed/aril ratio were also key drivers for preferences. A relationship between sensory and physico-chemical properties was also established. Interestingly, sweetness perception correlated more strongly with low titratable acidity levels than with high total soluble solids levels, corroborating that acidity level is a key measurement for quality assessments. 'H3/27' was the most promising of the new varieties for having the well-appreciated internal properties of the 'Mollar' varieties and external and internal red colouration, which makes it much more appealing to consumers. This study shows that there is still room on the market for pomegranate varieties with very different sensory properties and highlights the need to develop sensory labels that help consumers make the right choices.

Effect of Packaging Type and Calcium Spraying on Some Chemical Traits of Seedless Pomegranate Variety Rawa

Effect of Packaging Type and Calcium Spraying on Some Chemical Traits of Seedless Pomegranate Variety Rawa

Nurturing nature\'s jewels: A holistic review of genetic and molecular strategies for fortifying pomegranate varieties

Nurturing nature\'s jewels: A holistic review of genetic and molecular strategies for fortifying pomegranate varieties

Sustainable Collagen Film Preparation with Tannins Extracted from Moroccan Pomegranate Byproduct Varieties: Thermal, Structural, and Nanoscaled Studies.

Recently, obtaining collagen films using a cross-linking technique has been a successful strategy. The current investigation used six cross-linker extracts (CE) from six different pomegranate varieties' byproducts to make and characterize collagen-tannin films using acid-soluble collagen (SC). The polymeric film has a yellow hue after CE incorporation. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy assessed the impact of CE and its successful interaction within the matrix. The shifts verify different interactions between extracts and collagen functional groups, where they likely form new hydrogen bonds, retaining their helix structure without damaging the matrix. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze the morphology and fiber size. The average diameter of the fibers was found to be about 3.64 μm. Thermal behaviors (denaturation and degradation) were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. The weight losses of cross-linked films increased by around 20% compared to non-cross-linked ones. This phenomenon was explained by the absence of telopeptide sections in the collagen helical structure, typically reinforced by lysine and hydroxylysine covalent linkages. Nanoscaled observations were also accomplished using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) on SC and SC-CE. The TEM analysis confirmed the CE polymerization degree effect on the cross-linking density via the overlap sequences, ranging up to 32.38 ± 2.37 nm on the fibril. The prepared biodegradable collagen-tannin film showed higher cross-linking density, which is expected to improve the biomaterial applications of collagen films while exploiting the underrated pomegranate byproducts.

To Evaluate the Phytochemicals, Antioxidant Activity and Antibacterial Activity of Pomegranate Arils Juice

Background: Pomegranate, belonging to the Punicaceae family, thrives in semi-arid, mild temperate to sub-tropical climates. Known for its health-promoting properties, pomegranate juice contains a variety of bioactive compounds that contribute to its antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of storage on the phytochemical, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of juice from three pomegranate varieties—Ghandhri, Bedana, and Tarnab Gulabi. Methods: Fresh juices were extracted from the arils of the three pomegranate varieties and stored at 5-10°C. Phytochemical analysis was performed using the Folin-Cioalteu reagent for total phenols and tannins, while antioxidant activity was assessed via the DPPH assay. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using standard microbiological techniques. Mineral content (iron, zinc, and calcium) was analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (model 2380). Statistical analysis was conducted with Statistic 8.1, utilizing ANOVA with a two-factorial design. Results: Tarnab Gulabi juice exhibited the highest phenolic content (571.3611±3.41 mgGaE/100ml) and antioxidant activity (81.12%). Ghandhri juice had the highest flavonoid (145.425±2.08 mgQuE/100ml) and anthocyanin concentrations (16.119±4.87 mgCyE/100ml), while Bedana showed the greatest tannin content (14.6046±11.5 mg/100ml). The study highlighted a significant reduction in phytochemicals due to storage, with marked antibacterial efficacy noted against E. coli and Citrobacter. Conclusion: Storage negatively affects the phytochemical content and antioxidant capacity of pomegranate juice. Fresh juice retains more bioactive compounds and exhibits higher antibacterial activity compared to stored juice. Varietal differences significantly influence the nutritional and functional qualities of the juice.

To Study the Physico Chemical Characteristics and Mineral Contant of Pomegranate Arils Juice

Background: Pomegranate arils juice is renowned for its nutritional qualities, which are influenced by various storage conditions and varietal characteristics. This study explores the physico-chemical properties and mineral content of three distinct pomegranate varieties—Ghandhri, Bedana, and Tarnab Gulabi—under different storage conditions. Objective: The primary goal of the research was to examine the impact of storage on the TSS, pH, acidity, and mineral content (iron, zinc, and calcium) of pomegranate arils juice from three regional varieties. Methods: The study was conducted at the Human Nutrition and Agriculture Chemistry laboratory at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, and the Food Science division of the Agriculture Research Institute Tarnab. Fresh and stored juices from the three varieties were analyzed to assess changes in physico-chemical properties and mineral content. Results: Storage led to an increase in the levels of zinc and iron, with recorded increases in zinc to 0.568±0.04 ppm in Ghandhri and iron peaking at 0.19±0.2 ppm in Tarnab Gulabi. However, calcium content decreased during storage, with a notable reduction to 3.13±2.93 ppm in stored juices. TSS was highest in Ghandhri and Tarnab Gulabi at 15.6±1.02, while acidity was highest in Ghandhri at 2.139±0.19. Conclusion: The study confirms that storage significantly alters the physico-chemical properties and mineral content of pomegranate arils juice, with detrimental effects on calcium levels but beneficial impacts on zinc and iron content. Notable varietal differences were observed, with Tarnab Gulabi displaying the highest phenolic content.

НАУЧНОЕ ОБОСНОВАНИЕ И РАЗРАБОТКА ПРИНЦИПОВ ПОДБОРА СОРТОВ ГРАНАТА С ВЫСОКИМ ВЫХОДОМ СОКА

Juice yield is a very important characteristic of pomegranate fruits (Punica granatum L.) in economic terms. In this study, the limits of variability of morphological and technological characteristics of fruits of 25 varieties and forms of pomegranate from Geokchai (Azerbaijan) were studied. The values of these features were determined using the weight method. An attempt was also made to establish the nature of the formation of the ratio between the individual parts of the fruit using the method of biological statistics. The results showed that the studied varieties and forms can be grouped into three different groups, taking into account the changing balance between individual parts of the fruit during its active growth and development on the tree. In the fruits of one group of the studied varieties and forms, the increase in the total mass of the rind and bare seeds was slower than the increase in the mass of the juice. 5 medium-fruited varieties and forms with juice yield from ripe fruits averaging 53.2 % of their total weight were assigned to this group. The other two groups included 7 small-fruited and 13 large-fruited varieties and forms, in which this indicator was significantly lower (juice yield 45.4 and 43.1 %, respectively). Thus, it is the medium size fruit (and not the large size fruit, as is now customary) that should serve as the main phenotypic feature – a guideline when choosing juice material from existing varieties and creating new pomegranate juice varieties. This result can be included in the instructions for processors of this specific raw material and guidelines for breeders working towards the creation of new juice varieties of pomegranate. Key words: POMEGRANATE, VARIETIES AND SHAPES, FRUITS AND THEIR INDIVIDUAL PARTS, RIND, JUICE, BARE SEEDS, THE NATURE OF THE FORMATION OF THE NATURAL RATIO

Effects of natural and chemical rooting stimulants on some root traits of two varieties of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cuttings

The experiment ran from the middle of February until the start of November 2023 under the plant canopy of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape, College of Agriculture, University of Kerbala. The study employed a Randomized Complete Block Design (R.C.B.D.) as a factorial experiment, with two pomegranate varieties (Yamani and Bashkan) as the first factor and various combinations of natural and chemical rootings as the second factor. These included extracts of moringa leaves (M0, M1) and licorice roots (L0, L1) at concentrations of 0 and 15 g L-1 each, as well as indole butyric acid at a concentration of 0 and 10 mg L-1 (B0, B1). The majority of the root features of the resultant seedlings demonstrated that, overall, the Bashkan variety outperformed the Yamani variety; however, this superiority varied when combined with other rooting combinations. Between the rooting stimulant combinations utilized in the study, the cuttings' dipping results differed. When it came to the quantity, size, and fresh and dry weight of the root system, indole butyric acid in combination with B1M0L0 performed better. It resulted in 250.000 root seedlings-1, 2.270 cm3, 20,680 g, and 6,650 g, respectively. In contrast, the B0M0L1 licorice root treatment demonstrated superior root length, reaching 38,100 cm. Both the percentage of rooting and the average root diameter were the largest in the combination including both extracts, B0M1L1, reaching 5.170% and 1.603 mm, respectively. Given that natural extracts have outperformed chemical radicals in the majority of the rooting qualities under study—such as licorice root extract and moringa leaf extract—it is possible to conclude from the aforementioned results on their suitability for usage as an alternative.

The effect of spraying with marine algae extract and adding Humax on growth traits of the roots of two varieties of pomegranate seed-lings

The study was conducted for the period from 20/3 to 20/9/2023 to study the Effect of spraying marine algae extract and adding Humax on the growth traits of the roots of two varieties of pomegranate seedlings. The experiment was implemented relying on the completely randomized block design (RCBD) as a factorial experiment of three factors: the first was pomegranate varieties (Wonderful and Slimi), the second was marine algae extract with three concentrations (0, 1.5, and 3 ml L-1), and the third was Humax with three concentrations (0, 0.25, and 0.50 g L-1), comprising three replicates of each. On September 20 2023 measurements were taken and the results were analyzed according to the statistical design used, and the averages were compared according to the selection of the least significant difference and at the level of probability 0.05, and the most important results reached: The variety Wonderful was significantly superior to the Slimi variety in most root traits studied except the root diameter trait. The treatment of the marine algae extract at a concentration of 3ml L-1 showed significant superiority for all root traits studied, The Humax treatment at a concentration of 0.50 g L-1 showed significant superiority for all the root traits studied. The binary interaction between the varieties and the marine algae extract significantly affected all studied traits, as the variety Wonderful, when treated with 3ml L-1 increased in most root traits, while cultivar Slimi recoded highest average in the root diameter. The binary interaction between the varieties and Humax was significantly effective; when treating the variety Wonderful with 0.50 g L-1 of Humax increased all root traits significantly. The binary interaction between marine algae extract and Humax significantly affected all root traits. Treating seedlings with 3ml L-1 of marine algae extract and 0.50g L-1 of Humax.