Morpho-pomological and Chemical Diversity of Pomegranate Accessions Grown in Eastern Mediterranean Region of Turkey

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.