DUS CHARACTERIZATION OF POMEGRANATE (Punica granatum L.) GERMPLASM
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Date
2023-11-09
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UHF,NAUNI
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The present study entitled “DUS characterization of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) germplasm” was conducted on twenty-one pomegranate germplasm at Regional Horticultural Research and Training Station Bajaura, Kullu (H.P) during the year 2022-23. The experiment was laid in RCBD with three replications for substantial variation in tree morphological and fruit characteristics as per descriptor format developed by UPOV. Among the pomegranate germplasm, Bhagwa, Achikdana, G-137, P-23, P-26, Solan Jayant, Mridula and BAJ-2 possessed spreading type growth habit. The maximum plant height was observed in Wonderful (4.01 m) followed by Kandhari Kabuli (3.73 m) with upright growth habit. Suckering habit was deemed to be high in Mridula (28.33) followed by Wonderful (27.33). On the basis of fruit characteristics, Kandhari Kabuli performed better in terms of fruit length (10.02 cm), fruit width (10.48 cm), fruit weight (535.92 g) and fruit yield (112.01 kg/plant). Among all the studied experimental planting material, Solan Jayant, Bhagwa, Arakta, Mridula, BAJ-2 and BAJ-5 were soft seeded with dark red aril colour; G-137 and P-26 were soft seeded with light pink aril colour whereas, P-23 was soft seeded with dark pink aril colour. The fruit shape cross-section was observed circular in Solan Jayant and angular in Kandhari Kabuli. The highest TSS (Total soluble solids) content was recorded in Mridula (17.90 ºB) followed by Kandhari Kabuli (17.43 ºB). Kandhari Hansi and BAJ-2 matured between August 20th to August 28th (early) whereas, Mridula and Bhagwa, matured between October 11th to October 17th (late). The maximum fruit rind thickness was observed in P-75-K-5 (3.87 cm) however, aril length was observed maximum in P-26 (12.28 mm). The correlation study revealed that the phenotypic coefficient of variability was greater than the genotypic coefficient of variability. The genotypic and phenotypic correlation coefficients indicated a significant positive relationship between yield per plant and tree height, leaf width, reducing sugars, fruit length, trunk diameter, fruit width, total sugars and calyx length characters of pomegranate germplasm.