Abstract:
Selecting within local pomegranate accessions is the main method used to identify new
cultivars. Total of 76 pomegranate accessions from Hatay, Turkey, were collected and
their morpho-pomological and chemical characteristics were determined. The results
showed that there was significant diversity among the accessions in terms of fruit quality
parameters. Several accessions were notable for their various characteristics. For
example, ‘Ekşi 5’, ‘Ekşiliknar’, ‘Kara Mehmet 1’, ‘Lifani 5’ and ‘Ekşi 3’ accessions could
be used for extracted aril and juice as they had dark red arils and juice, good taste, and
large arils. In addition, the sweet accessions ‘Tatlı 3’, ‘Tatlı 13’, and ‘Tatlı 16’ with soft
seeds, rosy peel, and red aril colors were very promising for fresh consumption. Our
study demonstrated that there was great morpho-pomological variability among the local
pomegranates grown in eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey, making them a valuable
genetic source for incorporation into potential breeding programs, especially for different
fruit quality characteristics.
Keywords: Chemical characters, Fruit quality, Principal component analysis, Punica
granatum.
