Abstract

Different cultivars of pomegranate were evaluated under semi-arid conditions with respect to vigour, yield and fruit quality at SKN College of Agriculture (Rajasthan Agricultural University), Jobner during 1998-99 and 1999-2000. Results revealed that inter-varietal differences were highly significant for most of the parameters studied. Cultivar Jodhpur Red' exhibited maximum plant height (2.40 m) and produced most sour fruits with 0.454 per cent acidity, while maximum stem girth (7.48 cm) was recorded in cultivar 'Bassein Seedless'. The maximum plant spread (3.56 m³) was recorded in cultivar Jalore Seedless' which was at par with 'Jodhpur Red' (3.50 m³). The highest yield (16.75 kg plant¹) was produced by cultivar Jalore Seedless' with fruits of maximum length (8.04 cm), breadth (7.66 cm) and TSS (14.44° Brix). However, the maximum fruit weight (239.12 g) was obtained in cultivar 'Dholka' that was at par with that of cultivar Jalore Seedless' (238.75 g). The cultivar Jalore Seedless' is recommended for commercial cultivation in semi-arid conditions.

Keywords: Pomegranate, Cultivars, Evaluation, Semi-arid conditions