Evaluation of pomegranate cultivars under arid conditions

摘要

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), is gaining popularity in arid and semi-arid regions of India. Its cultivation is spread all over the country clue to hardy nature, high yield with low maintenance cost and good keeping quality (Khodade et al., 4). Recently, farmers in Rajasthan have also taken up its cultivation due to its drought hardy nature and suitability to the marginal lands (Prasad et al., 8). This fruit crop is also tolerant to salinity as well as saline irrigation water to some extent. Its suitability to grow under arid areas immensely help in developing a good ecological system in addition to improving the rural economy and nutritional standards as well. The performance of pomegranate seedlings in western part of Rajasthan has shown an immense potential for its commercial cultivation. However, information on its varietal evaluation is scanty and no systematic efforts have been made to evaluate the available varieties of pomegranate in arid region. Hence, present studies were undertaken to evaluate improved cultivars and to find out their suitability for cultivation under arid conditions of Rajasthan.