Wild Pomegranate Research Articles

First Comprehensive Evaluation of Genetic Variability for Bacterial Blight Resistance in Wild Punica granatum L. Populations from the North-Western Himalayas

Identifying and selecting disease-resistant sources from wild germplasm pools is pivotal due to their ecological benefits and cost-effectiveness. This study encompassed the survey and collection of wild pomegranate genotypes alongside commercial cultivars, followed by screening against native pathogens. Additionally, biochemical analyses were conducted to elucidate defense mechanisms in both resistant and susceptible genotypes. Cuttings from selected germplasm across four districts were obtained, grown for one year, and assessed for pathogenicity and biochemical responses. Microscopic and molecular analyses confirmed the pathogen as Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae (Xap), identified by its distinctive morphology and a 1500 bp amplicon along with phylogeny analysis. Germplasm screening via detached and attached leaf assays identified genotypes with minimal disease severity, highlighting SH-14 and SH-16 as highly resistant in the attached leaf assay. Principal component analysis categorized genotypes based on disease parameters, with PC1 explaining approximately 75% of the variability. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering further grouped genotypes into ten clusters, emphasizing clusters IX and X for their significant resistance traits. Biochemical studies revealed that the resistant genotype SH-16 exhibited higher levels of constitutive defense components like chlorophyll and vitamin C, as well as induced defense components such as phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidants, compared to the susceptible cultivar Bhagwa. These findings underscore the critical roles of both constitutive and induced defense mechanisms in conferring pomegranate resistance to Xap. The study's comprehensive approach in evaluating genetic and biochemical resistance provides valuable insights for breeding disease-resistant pomegranate varieties, marking a significant advancement in exploring pomegranate wild relatives from the Himalayan region for their resistance to bacterial blight.

Phytochemical composition of wild pomegranate juices and their cytotoxicity

PurposeThis study aims to examine the relationship between the chemical composition of juices obtained from fruits of autochthonous wild pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) grown in Montenegro and their cytotoxic effects on cancer cells.Design/methodology/approachTo explore the potential value of wild pomegranate fruits, in vitro biological assays were carried out with juices whose composition was analyzed in detail for sugars, organic acids, vitamin C and phenolic compounds. The effect of juices on survival was determined in human lung A549, cervical HeLa and breast MCF-7 carcinoma cells by MTT assay. As a control, the cytotoxicity against normal fetal lung fibroblasts (MRC-5) was monitored.FindingsAmong cancer cell lines, considering the IC50 related to total phenolics, the lowest value – 13 µg/mL was found for the A549. The strongest effect on lung cells was assumed due to the favorable contribution of ellagitannins to total phenolics in juice as well as the given combination of anthocyanins and their synergistic action. For HeLa cells, the lowest IC50 value was obtained at 88 µg/mL, and the cytotoxicity could be matched with the effects of anthocyanins and catechin. For MCF-7 cells, the lowest IC50 was 504 µg/mL, and the elevated levels of vitamin C and ellagic acid derivatives should have a noticeable effect on these cells.Originality/valueThis study provides an important contribution to the knowledge on the effect of phytochemicals from wild pomegranate juice on lung, cervical and breast cancer cells, in vitro. The present observations suggest that the juice of wild pomegranate has the potential in the fight against cancer.

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.

Chilling Hours and Growing Degree Days of Himalayan Wild Pomegranate

Chilling Hours and Growing Degree Days of Himalayan Wild Pomegranate

Polyphenolic Composition, Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Activity of Edible and Inedible Parts of Cultivated and Wild Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.).

The aim of this study is to determine and compare the antioxidant and antiproliferative activities of juices and extracts of the peel, aril and membrane of the cultivated and wild pomegranate fruits. The content of total phenols, total flavonoids, total flavonols, total flavan-3-ols and total anthocyanins was determined spectrophotometrically. The individual phenolics were quantified by HPLC. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH and ABTS tests and neutralisation of hydroxyl radical, while the antiproliferative activity was measured in vitro by sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Total phenolics were statistically highest in wild pomegranate peel extract, expressed in gallic acid equivalents, 340.92 mg/g (p<0.05), while total flavonoid content was the highest in cultivated pomegranate peel extract, expressed in quercetin equivalents, 31.84 mg/g (p<0.05). The sample of wild pomegranate peel extract showed the highest antioxidant activity with respect to free DPPH and ABTS radicals. The samples of cultivated pomegranate peel and membrane extracts had almost identical and the strongest effect on the inhibition of hydroxyl radicals (41.24 and 41.23 μg/mL, respectively). The sample of wild pomegranate peel extract showed the strongest effect on the growth inhibition of all tested tumour cell lines. In this study, the bioactivity of different parts of cultivated and wild pomegranates was determined and compared. In the available literature, the individual antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of only some parts of the pomegranate fruit was investigated. All parts of the pomegranate fruit were investigated, including the membrane, which was barely analysed in other works. The wild pomegranate has also been less analysed in previous studies. Future research should focus on in vivo studies of the obtained pomegranate samples.

Development of genomic SSR markers for characterization of genetic diversity in wild pomegranate germplasm

Development of genomic SSR markers for characterization of genetic diversity in wild pomegranate germplasm

The Quality Characteristics of Dried Arils (Anardana) Prepared From Wild Pomegranate (Punica Granatum L.) Stored at Ambient Temperature Conditions

Wild pomegranate fruit (Punica granatum L.) widely distributed in northern India is processed into a value added dried product namely anardana. During fruiting season fruits are available in bulk and traditional sun drying process is completely weather dependent which might lead to holding period before drying. Studies were carried out for the preparation of anardana at different intervals viz. 10, 20, 30 days from stored fruits at ambient temperature conditions (18-24oC). Physico-chemical, namely TSS, sugars and anthocyanins and sensory parameters of anardana increased significantly with the advancement of storage period. However, ascorbic acid and total phenols decreased with the storage period. After 20th day of storage of fruits, the various quality characteristics of anardana increased slightly, whereas, the acid content decreased slightly after 10th day of storage of fruits with faster decreasing rate after 20th day of storage. The best quality anardana in terms of quality characteristics can be prepared from the fruits stored up to 20 days period. Bangladesh J. Bot. 52(2): 411-418, 2023 (June)

A Comprehensive Evaluation of 45 Pomegranate (Punica Granatum L.) Cultivars Based on Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis

ABSTRACT China has abundant germplasm resources of pomegranate. Previous studies have analyzed the fruit quality of the cultivated and wild pomegranates collected from different regions of China. In this study, 45 pomegranate cultivars from Yicheng, Shandong province, China were used as materials. Principal component and cluster analysis was performed based on 18 fruit quality traits. There were significant differences in 18 fruit traits among 45 pomegranate cultivars. Nine principal components (PCs) were extracted by principal component analysis, and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 84.9%. PC1 and PC2 represented 20.9%, 14.3% of total variance respectively. The former was highly positively contributed by total flavonoid and phenolic content of juice, pericarp (FCJ, PCJ, FCP and PCP), and Vitamin C content of juice, while the latter was highly positively correlated with proanthocyanidins and total flavonoid content of seeds (PAS and FCS) and titratable acid content. According to the comprehensive scores, Yushiliu, Gangliu, Mantianhongsuan, Tianlvzi, Xinjianghongpi, Huaiyuanerbenzi, Xiaoqingpi, Damaya, Yichengheshunzhuangwuci, Taishanhong ranked as the top ten. The 45 pomegranate cultivars were clustered into four categories according to 18 fruit quality indicators, each group had unique characteristics. Most cultivars of group III had higher PCJ and proanthocyanidins content of pericarp, while most members of group Ⅳ had higher total anthocyanin contents, FCP and PCP, which suggested that the two groups were rich in functional substances and can be used for further processing. Therefore, the results would provide a method to comprehensively evaluate different cultivars and provide a reference for agricultural cultivation, industrial utilization and breeding.

Migratory Violets

Migratory Violets Sepideh Zamani (bio) Click for larger view View full resolution An Iranian woman living in the US seeks to understand the meaning of home on a journey to Egypt to visit the burial place of Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, the Iranian king respected for his religious tolerance but forced into exile for the same. [End Page 30] Ca n someone in exile ever find home again? Early in 2022, I asked myself that question as I flew from my adopted home in Washington, DC, to visit the tomb of the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who was exiled to Egypt during the Iranian Revolution. He was a man my father greatly respected because he gave religious minorities, like us, the chance to live like anyone else. The 1979 revolution would change that, forcing the Shah of Iran and many minorities into exile. When it seemed that everyone had turned their backs on him, President Anwar Sadat invited the Shah to live in Cairo. President Sadat had made it clear to Mohammad Reza that he was not a guest but that Egypt would be his home. Iranians believe that to truly understand someone, you must know their friends. So, I was on my way to Cairo. I was five years old when the Iranian Revolution began, which would reshape the country of my birth. Despite the difficulties created for my family, my father stayed in Iran. He believed that a person who moved away from home once would never find home again. Sometimes I wonder if, staying in Iran, he was ever able to experience the kinds of happy moments I remember from before the revolution. Like the summer of 1978, when we traveled to Persepolis and Shiraz, the land of Cyrus the Great, in his cherry-red Paykan. We spent every other weekend at the beach where the tall, green Alborz Mountains met the Caspian Sea and deep blue sky. During the week, rain or shine, my dad helped my grandfather in his rice paddy while my mom, my older brother, and I walked through the fields surrounded by the smell of the rice seedlings growing in hot, humid air, picking tangy fruit from the wild pomegranate trees and sweet raspberries from the bushes. All I have of that life now in Washington, DC, is a few black-and-white photographs that I brought with me. Because I know the dangers of a postrevolution country firsthand, I can't deny that I was nervous about traveling in Egypt only a decade after their own uprising. It was almost 9:00 p.m. when the plane landed at Cairo International Airport. After getting through customs, I took a taxi to my hotel downtown. The driver started a conversation and asked me where I was from. When I answered, he looked at me in the rearview mirror. "But you do not look American," he said. I knew what he meant. If I had been traveling in Europe, I would have ignored his opinion. But I knew, from my experience with revolution, that any taxi driver could be working with the government for security purposes. Now here in Egypt, it was safer to answer the question. "I am Iranian in exile," I said reluctantly. "You came to visit the tomb of the Shah?" he asked, looking at me again. "Yes," I said. "Welcome home, sister," he said. Hearing that melted my tension away. Still, I asked myself why he would welcome me home. When he saw my confusion, he continued: "When you've buried someone you love and respect from your country in another land, that land becomes your home." I was exhausted from the flight, so I avoided his gaze and looked out the window to end the conversation. The city looked dark and gloomy, and the heavy smell of vehicle exhaust filled the air. Trash cans full of garbage, half-demolished buildings, abandoned apartments, and endless advertising billboards on both sides of the streets were all signs to me of economic crisis. An hour later, in my room, before even looking at the view, I stretched my legs out on the bed and fell asleep thinking about where to...

Phylogenetic Analysis of Wild Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Based on Its Complete Chloroplast Genome from Tibet, China

Pomegranates (Punica granatum L.) are one of the most fashionable fruits and can be cultivated in both tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is a shiny and attractive pome due to its cultivation. It belongs to the Lythraceae family. In this study, we analyzed the chloroplast genome of wild pomegranate based on whole genome shotgun sequences. In wild pomegranate, we found 158,645 bp in size, 132 genes containing 84 protein genes, 37 tRNA genes, 8 rRNA genes, and 36.92% of GC content, one infA and two duplicated ycf15 pseudogenes. Moreover, 21 chloroplast genes contained intros that are detected in a large single copy (LSC), small single copy (SSC), and two inverted repeats (IRA and IRB) regions, 17 of which were involved in single introns, while four genes (ycf3, rps12, clpP and rsp12) located in LSC, IRA, and IRB region. In total, 26,272 codons are found in protein-coding genes (PCGs); relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) analysis revealed that the most abundant amino acid is leucine containing 2773 codons (10.55%), less abundant is methionine amino acid containing 1 codon (0.0032) in the PCGs. Furthermore, a total of 233 cpSSRs were identified in the wild pomegranate cp genome, and their distribution was analyzed in three regions, namely IR, LSC, and SSC. However, 155 cpSSR were found in the LSC (66.5%), followed by 40 cpSSR in the SSC (17.2%) and 38 cpSSR in the IR (16.3%) regions. Phylogenetic validation revealed that wild pomegranate is close to the pemphis acidula species. We believe that the cp genome allocates significant information promising for breeding research of wild pomegranate to Lythraceae.

Morphological diversity of indigenous wild pomegranate (Punica granatum L. var. spinosa) accessions from northeast of Iran.

Wild pomegranate is a valuable edible species in the plant ecosystem of the Hyrcanian forests and the northern plains of the Caspian coast in Iran. The genetic diversity of these wild pomegranates can be effective in pomegranate breeding programs and germplasm conservation. In the present study, morphological diversity in 103 wild pomegranates (Punica granatum L. var. spinosa) in the northeastern area of Iran was studied using 46 traits related to trees, flowers, and fruits. The results showed that the fruit weight ranged from 17.93 to 99.9g with an average of 48.92 g, the total aril weight ranged from 0.54 g to 64.78 g with an average of 24.25 g, and the weight of 100 arils was between 4.89 and 46.21 with an average of 13.79. The fruit cracking percent, crown shape, aril juiciness, calyx, and corolla colors show a high coefficient of variation (CV > 70%). Based on PCA results, fruit weight and total aril weight, peel weight, and fruit length and diameter were important on determining differences among accessions. In biplot analysis, genotype distribution was determined by two main factors. In cluster analysis, the studied accessions were divided into two different major clusters and two subclusters in each one. The results showed a high diversity of important pomological traits in wild pomegranates such as fruit weight, fruit cracking percent, crown shape, total aril weight, aril juiciness corolla, and calyx color that can be used in breeding programs to improve pomegranate juice quality and marketability.

Optimization of lyophilized microencapsulated phenolic extract concentration for enrichment of yoghurt and effect on chemical parameters, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity and sensory quality under storage

• Lyophilized microencapsulated phenolics utilized for enrichment of yoghurt. • Sensory acceptability, bioactive and chemical characteristics were compared. • Higher bioactive compounds observed in enriched yoghurt than normal yoghurt. • 2% enriched yoghurt showed higher sensory acceptance besides higher bioactives. In this study lyophilized microencapsulated phenolic extract powder (MPE) from peel of wild pomegranate fruit was utilized for enrichment of yoghurt. From different treatments, treatment (T 4 ) enriched with 2(%) MPE was found best on the basis of sensorial attributes. The significant increase ( p < 0.05) in yoghurt bioactive compounds and various antioxidant properties were observed after incorporation of 2(%) MPE. Changes in various characteristics were recorded at different storage intervals (0, 7 and 14 days). After 14 days of storage enriched yogurt retained higher phenolics (96.52%), flavonoids (97.72%), radical scavenging activity (95.85%), metal chelating activity (96.53%), FRAP (96.22%) and reducing power (94.49%) besides higher colour scores and sensory acceptability. Hence yoghurt could also be kept safe for 14 days under refrigeration temperature (4–7 °C) conditions in polystyrene cups with minimum changes in quality attributes. This study suggests that functional and antioxidant properties of yoghurt can be enhanced significantly by MPE enrichment without sensorial alterations, with maximum retention of bioactive compounds, thus product could be utilized commercially. The study also concluded that enriched yoghurt had higher phenolics and antioxidant activity which could open a new way towards the consumption of functional food.

Characterizing wild germplasm of neglected and underutilized crops: A case study of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) from remote Pir Panjal Himalaya

Despite a wide range of nutritional and nutraceutical diversity existing within the wild germplasm of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) that can be utilized to develop genetically superior cultivars, little research efforts have been focused on the characterization of this neglected and underutilized crop in the Himalaya. To fill this research gap, the present study carried out in the remote mountainous region of Pir Panjal Himalaya aimed to characterize the morphological variability, assess the genetic variability and relationship among and between the different populations of wild pomegranate, and identify the elite genotype for future plant propagation. We observed significant differences among all the 18 morphological descriptors analyzed; fruit traits showed the highest power of discrimination among the wild pomegranate accessions. Based on ANOVA results, most of the morphological variables showed significant differences among the studied populations (p˂0.001). Further, redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that only two fruit traits, the number of arils and aril weight showed a significant relationship within all the populations. Molecular characterization, based on ISSR marker analysis, showed substantial genetic diversity within and between the populations of wild pomegranate in this Himalayan region. In this regard, RDA identified one potentially adaptive locus that strongly affects the different populations of wild pomegranate. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed 58% variation among populations and 42% variation within populations. Our research findings, based on detailed morphological and molecular characterization, provide precious information on the genetic diversity of wild pomegranate. We have identified elite genotypes that can guide climate-smart agriculture based on local genetic resources in this remote Himalayan region.

Isolation and Characterization of Endophytes Against Bacterial Blight of Pomegranate

The endophytic study was undertaken during 2019–2020 at department of plant pathology, Dr, YS Parmar UHF, Nauni, Solan (HP), India against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae inciting bacterial blight of pomegranate. Endophytes which we used, either endophytic bacteria or fungi have been isolated from four different genotypes/cultivars (Wild pomegranate, Kandhari, G-137 and Sindhuri) of pomegranate to study the isolation procedure and characterization of the endophytic microbes that colonize pomegranate plants. The huge diversity among the endophytic microbes and the host plants hinders a uniform protocol for isolation of endophytes and the establishment of inciting agent of bacterial blight. The most common technique that is currently used involves a thorough surface sterilization followed by fragmentation of the plant tissue and dilutions, culture of the fragments onto agar plates for endophytic bacteria and fragmentation of leaf bits after thorough surface sterilization onto agar plate for endophytic fungi. Among 27 and 19 bacterial and fungal endophytes, three potential microbes of each were selected after in vitro assay against Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae which causes bacterial blight disease, and were identified based on morphological, biochemical, and cultural characteristics, respectively. This is the first report of endophytic microbes from the leaves of Punica granatum genotypes/cultivars in Himachal Pradesh, India. Future studies will determine the potential application of these isolates in biological control, growth promotion, enzyme production and colonization in host for induction of defense mechanism against bacterial blight disease of pomegranate.

The comparative analysis and identification of secondary metabolites between Tibet wild and cultivated pomegranates (Punica granatum L.) in China

Secondary metabolites are closely related to the nutritional quality and health functions of plants. We investigated the secondary metabolites of both wild (n=23) and cultivated (n=27) pomegranate plants (Punica granatum L.) growing in China. The total flavonoid (TF) and tannin (TT) contents from the peel and juice were determined and the secondary metabolites in the peel (ZLP) and juice (ZLZ) of ‘Zela 4’ were identified using liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI-MS/MS). Analysis of variance (P<0.05) showed that there were significant differences in the TF content of peel (TF (P)) and juice (TF (J)), and the TT content of peel (TT (P)) and juice (TT (J)) among different pomegranate accessions. Pearson correlation analysis showed that latitude and altitude might be the main environmental factors affecting TF and TT contents in pomegranates. In this study, 279 secondary metabolites were identified in the ZLP and ZLZ. In addition, we report for the first time 227 secondary metabolites in pomegranates. Using orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis, 90 differential metabolites were identified in ZLP and ZLZ. In addition, we screened eight specific germplasms (high-TF (P), ‘Junyong 3’; low-TF (P), ‘Yanzhihong’; high-TF(J), ‘Zela 4’; low-TF (J), ‘Yudazi’, high-TT (P), ‘Junyong 4’; low-TT (P), ‘Anba 1’; high-TT(J), ‘Yeba 1’; and low-TT (J), ‘Baihuayushizi’). The results of our study provide a reference for the development and utilization of wild pomegranate resources and pomegranate breeding in China.

Phenolics from underutilized wild pomegranate fruit flavedo: Extraction, quantification, hierarchical clustering, antibacterial properties, HPLC, SEM analysis and FT-IR characterization

Wild pomegranate flavedo powder was used for the comparison of extraction conditions of phenolics by maceration using various solvents (polar/non polar) with constant solid to solvent ratio (1:20) at variable temperatures (30–50 °C) for different time periods (2–6 h). The highest phenolics were recorded in ethanol:distilled water (60:40) combination at 30 °C (6 h) after comparison of all treatments. Using Hierarchical clustering, further grouping of treatments was also performed. The two best selected extracts after lyophilization were further compared for retention of phenolics, flavonoids, antioxidant properties (2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, metal chelating, ferric reducing antioxidant power, reducing power) and antibacterial activity. Functional groups characterization of best selected lyophilized extract was done by FTIR, high performance liquid chromatography (ellagic acid, punicalagin) and structural morphology assessment by SEM. Flavedo extract is rich source of phenolics and flavonoids that makes it ideal for supplementation into functional/nutraceutical food.

Comparative evaluation on drying of pomegranate arils for production of Anardana

Wild pomegranate is an important wild fruit of family Punicaceae which has got great economic importance. Pretreated arils (steam blanched for 30 sec followed by sulphuring @ 0.3% for 60 min) were dried by different intermittent drying modes to minimise energy utilization and maximise quality retention of dried arils within lower cost. Various drying modes used were mechanical cabinet drying (60±2°C), sun drying (18–31°C), solar tunnel (21–39°C) drying, combination of solar tunnel + mechanical cabinet drier, combination of open sun + solar tunnel drier and combination of open sun+ solar tunnel + mechanical cabinet drier. The quality of dried arils (anardana) obtained were compared on the basis of various physical chemical and sensory characteristics besides energy utilization in each method with economic analysis. Arils dried in mechanical cabinet drier possessed highest values of desirable physico-chemical characteristics viz., colour, TSS (45.20°B), titratable acidity (11.40%), ascorbic acid (11.70 mg/100g), total sugars (25.45%), anthocyanins (33.76 mg/100g), phenols (126.05 mg/100g), crude fibers (35.91%), oil (8.89%) and antioxidant activity (65.22%). It took minimum time (26 h) to dry a given tray load, had minimum non enzymatic browning (0.06 OD), furfural (11.89 ppb) and hydroxy methyl furfural (0.90 ppm), beside highest energy consumption for drying. Mechanical cabinet dried arils were rated best among all drying modes on the basis of highest sensory scores. However, quality of solar dried anardana was found to be at par with the mechanically dried anardana with low cost of production (Rs 251 per kg as against Rs 326 per kg).

Effect of Different Solvents on Extraction of Phenolic Antioxidants by Reflux Method from Wild Pomegranate Flavedo, their Antioxidant and Antibacterial Properties

In this study wild pomegranate flavedo powder was used for the extraction of phenolics through various solvents by reflux method. A significant difference in all parameters was observed among the different extracts with varying solvents and extraction time after oven drying. The highest total phenolics, total flavonoids, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power and metal chelating activity among different extracts of wild pomegranate flavedo were recorded when combination of ethanol and distilled water in the ratio of 50:50 was used (1 h extraction time) after oven drying. Cluster analysis based on Ward’s method showed that all treatments were divided in nine major groups and three major clusters after the application of cluster analysis. The two best selected extracts were further compared after drying in lyophilizer and tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli for antibacterial activity. In conclusion, ethanol and distilled water lyophilized extract contained higher bioactive compounds than oven dried extract, which have higher antioxidant and antibacterial effects and could be useful in the extraction of natural antioxidants. The study concluded that fruit flavedo is rich source of total phenolics, total flavonoids and antioxidant activity which have beneficial natural antioxidants for health and have many health promoting properties which makes the flavedo suitable for future processing into various functional/nutraceutical foods.

Ethno-horticultural and physico-chemical characterization of indigenous fruit species for nutritional and socio-economic uplift of local communities from district Poonch, Azad Jammu and Kashmir

The world is suffering due to the double burden of malnutrition i.e., under-nourished and over-nourished which is increasing day by day. Lack of dietary diversity and changing climatic scenarios are paving the way for this severe problem. There could be many solutions to address this chronic problem. However, using locally grown indigenous fruit species could be the cheapest and sustainable solution to tackle these issues locally as well as globally. To understand the existing barriers which are hindering to unlock the full potential of these fruit species, the present study was designed. To explore the ethno-horticultural and physico-chemical potential of some selected indigenous fruits such as persimmon, date plum, apple, pear, autumn olive, black raspberry, yellow raspberry, quince, barberry, apricot, fig, wood land strawberry, wild pomegranate, black mulberry, and plum were collected from different villages of District Poonch and analysed for various parameters. Ethno-horticultural information was gathered and documented during a survey conducted in this area while physico-chemical characterization was done through analytical studies. Samples were analysed for physico-chemical parameters such as, fruit weight, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, vitamin C, pH, total antioxidants, total flavonoids, and total phenols. The physico-chemical results showed that there is a huge potential of these fruit crops to be used locally and at national level. Further, small scale industry should be established to develop value added products.

Phytochemical screening of wild pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juices from the market

The utilization of pomegranate (P. granatum L.) in various industries has recently increased. The consumption of pomegranate juice is highly recommended because of bioactive compounds that have a pro-health effect on the human body. The main aim of this study is phytochemical screening and comparison of pomegranate juices available at the Montenegrin market, prepared from whole fruits and arils of wild pomegranate. Besides the determination of basic juice parameters (pH, EC, TTA, and TSS), the quantification of sugars, organic acids, vitamin C, and phenolics was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography. It was found that juice is a rich, good source of flavan-3-ols (2650―9820 mg L−1), ellagitannins (2010–6420 mg L−1), and hydroxybenzoic acids (720―3390 mg L−1). The juices prepared from whole fruits in comparison to the ones from arils have lower pH and higher content of numerous phenolics. The ratio between certain parameters was very high, especially for: punicalin derivative 1 (8.8), ellagic acid, ellagic acid dihexoside, digalloyl-hexoside 1, gallagyl ester 1, gallic acid, ellagic acid galloyl hexoside, ellagitannin 5, digalloyl hexoside 2, ellagitannin 4 (4.4). A significant difference in the content was not found for some acids, sugars, and all anthocyanins, i.e., exactly for 39 compounds.