Mass modeling of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit with some physical characteristics

Among physical characteristics, dimensions, mass, volume and projected areas are important parameters in sizing and grading systems. Fruits with the similar weight and uniform shape are desirable in terms of marketing value. Therefore, grading fruit based on weight reduces packing and handling costs and also provides suitable packing patterns. The different grading systems require different fruit sizing based on particular parameters. In this study pomegranate mass was predicted by applying different physical characteristics with linear and nonlinear models as three different classifications: (1) single or multiple variable regressions of pomegranate dimensional characteristics, (2) single or multiple variable regression of pomegranate projected areas and (3) estimating pomegranate mass based on its volume. The results showed that mass modeling of pomegranate based on minor diameter and three projected areas are the most appropriate models in the first and second classifications, respectively. In third classification, the highest determination coefficient was obtained for mass modeling based on the actual volume as R² = 0.99 whereas corresponding values were 0.93 and 0.79 for assumed pomegranate shapes (oblate spheroid and ellipsoid), respectively. In economical and agronomical point of view, suitable grading system of pomegranate mass was ascertained based on minor diameter as nonlinear relation M = 0.06c² − 4.11c + 143.56, R² = 0.91.     

Evaluation of genetic diversity among Iranian soft-seed pomegranate accessions by fruit characteristics and RAPD markers

Soft-seedness in pomegranate is a desirable trait for fresh consumption of this valuable fruit. At the main Iran pomegranate collection, 21 pomegranate accessions gathered from different parts of Iran are registered as soft-seed genotypes. The aim of this research was to study these soft-seed pomegranate accessions using fruit morphopomological traits and DNA markers to reveal their relatedness. Thirty-six fruit characteristics were measured in these accessions together with applying 29 random decamer primers already reported to be polymorphic on pomegranate. Factor analysis on mean values of fruit characteristics determined 10 main factors and applied for grouping of the accessions using Ward's method. Also 14 of the random primers showed good amplification and polymorphism on these samples, and a total of 43 RAPD markers were produced. Estimates of genetic similarity, using Jaccard's similarity coefficient, ranged from 0.13 to 1.0 using the RAPD data. Grouping based on the fruit traits compared with that based on RAPD data did not produce a significant correlation (r = −0.36). Morphometric measurements and sensory evaluation confirmed that some accessions are hard or semi-hard seeded. This study showed that information based on fruit characteristics and RAPD markers are complementary for genetic discrimination in soft-seed pomegranate accessions. This might be due to the high level of similarity between soft-seed pomegranate accessions.     

The strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.) selection in Turkey

These days, the strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo L.), which is a comparatively under-utilized fruit tree species, has attracted attention because of many different possible commercial usages such as for processed and fresh fruit production and ornamental, the pharmaceutical and chemical industrial applications. They are disappearing from the natural flora for many reasons such as their being cut down for fire-wood and structuring on natural vegetation. A selection program was carried out with the aim of selecting strawberry tree genotypes of high quality from the native strawberry tree population grown in the Central Black Sea Region of Turkey. A total of 51 genotypes were evaluated in the program, in 2003 and 2004. The aims of the selection program were focused on fruit pomological characteristics such as fruit weight, total soluble solid, acidity, fruit taste, stoniness, juiciness, roughness and appearance. The data regarding pomological characteristics was evaluated by the Weighted Rankit method. The highest overall score for the characteristics tested was from genotype 57A01 followed by 57A15, 57GÇ08, 57A22 and 57A07, respectively. Their fruit weight was 11.08, 6.17, 6.30, 6.95 and 8.06 g, respectively. TSS contents and acidity of them varied from 21.4 to 30.0% and 0.80 to 1.59%, respectively. Phenological characteristics such as first bloom, fruit set and harvest date and some other fruit, flower and leaf characteristics of selected A. unedo genotypes were also determined. Vitamin C content of the samples varied from 97.83 to 280.00 mg/100 g. Finally, five superior strawberry tree genotypes were selected from the samples we studied for extensive cultivation and thus they were also saved from extinction.     

Variation in total phenolics and antioxidant capacity among European plum genotypes

Our objective was to determine the amount of variation in total phenolics and antioxidants present in European plum fruits, so that it can be utilized in breeding programs to enhance the health benefits. Total antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content of the fruit, and the fruit skin color were determined in 20 genotypes, comprising of released varieties and advanced selections of European plums. Among the 20 genotypes, the total antioxidant capacity ranged from 105 to 424 mg ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/100 g fresh weight (FW) while the total phenolic content was 86–413 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g FW. The two parameters had a strong correlation of r² = 0.96. A direct correlation between skin color intensity and total phenolic content could also be observed. This study demonstrates that there is adequate variation in total phenolic compounds and antioxidants within European plums and hence there is potential for improvement towards enhancing these health-promoting phytochemicals in this fruit.     

Seasonal changes of mineral nutrients and phenolics in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruit

Pomegranate fruit is an important source of potentially healthy bioactive compounds and mineral nutrients. Changes in total phenolic compound, concentrations, and levels of macronutrients (P, K, N, Mg, Ca and Na) and micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe and B) in arils and peel of pomegranate fruit were recorded from 10 days after full bloom until harvest. Total phenolics levels increased at early stage of growth both in peel and arils of fruit, but thereafter generally decreased during maturation and reached to 3.70 and 50.22 mg g⁻¹ of dry weight in arils and peel, respectively, at harvest. The amount of total phenolics in peel was markedly higher than arils of pomegranate fruit. The concentration of most elements in arils and peel decreased during fruit growth and development. At harvest the relative order of concentration of macronutrients both in arils and peel was K > N > Ca > P > Mg > Na. The concentration of most micronutrients was greater in the arils than in the peel especially in early season. The relative order of concentration of micronutrients in arils was B > Fe > Zn > Cu > Mn. The accumulation of all the macro- and microelement within the fruit also increased during fruit growth and development. These results provide important data on total phenolics and macro- and micronutrient changes during fruit growth and development, emphasizing that pomegranate fruit can be a good source of bioactive compounds and minerals.     

Investigation of physico-chemical properties and antioxidant activity of twenty Iranian pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars

Pomegranate is one of the native fruits of Iran which contains high genetic resources, but there are insufficient information regarding properties of the fruit. The objective of the present study was to investigate the physcio-chemical characteristics and antioxidant activity of twenty pomegranate cultivars grown in Iran. This study showed that there were significant differences among the cultivars in all measured factors except the length/diameter ratio of fruit. The fruit weight, skin percentage, aril percentage and juice percentage were within the range of 196.89–315.28 g, 32.28–59.82%, 37.59–65% and 26.95–46.55%, respectively. The total soluble solids content varied from 11.37 (°Brix) to 15.07 (°Brix), pH values from 3.16 to 4.09, titratable acidity content from 0.33 g 100 g⁻¹ to 2.44 g 100 g⁻¹ and total sugars content from 13.23 g 100 g⁻¹ to 21.72 g 100 g⁻¹. The results also showed that the values of ascorbic acid ranged from 9.91 mg 100 g⁻¹ to 20.92 mg 100 g⁻¹. The total anthocyanins content was observed in pomegranate cultivars between 5.56  mg 100 g⁻¹ and 30.11 mg 100 g⁻¹. The level of total phenolics was varied from 295.79 mg 100 g⁻¹ to 985.37 mg 100 g⁻¹. The antioxidant activity of pomegranate cultivars was found between 15.59 and 40.72%. These data demonstrated that the cultivar was the main parameter which influences the physico-chemical properties and antioxidant activity in pomegranates.     

Eggplant relatives as sources of variation for developing new rootstocks: Effects of grafting on eggplant yield and fruit apparent quality and composition

We propose the utilization of eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) interspecific hybrids derived from crosses with closely related species as an approach for developing new improved rootstocks for eggplant. Here we investigate rootstock effects on fruit yield, apparent quality and proximate and mineral composition of S. melongena ‘Black Beauty’ (BB) scions grafted on interspecific hybrid rootstocks developed from crosses of S. melongena with Solanum incanum L. (SI × SM) and Solanum aethiopicum L. (SM × SA). The results are compared with non-grafted (BB control) and self-grafted (BB/BB) controls and with S. melongena ‘Black Beauty’ scions grafted onto Solanum torvum Sw. (STO) and Solanum macrocarpon L. (SMA) rootstocks. All treatments were grown in a soil naturally infested with root-knot nematodes (mostly Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood). SI × SM and SM × SA interspecific hybrids had high germination (≥90%) and total graft success (100%). Contrary to what occurred with all other treatments, no plants from scions grafted onto these hybrid rootstocks died during the experiment. In particular, the SI × SM hybrid rootstock conferred the highest vigour to the scion, which resulted in the highest values for fruit earliness and early and total yield. Little difference was observed among treatments for apparent fruit quality traits, except for a greater fruit calyx length and prickliness of fruit grafted onto SMA rootstocks. A similar result was obtained for fruit composition where phenolics content was higher in fruit from plants grafted onto SMA rootstocks. Grafting eggplant onto interspecific eggplant hybrids, especially on the SI × SM hybrid, has proved advantageous for eggplant production, as the high vigour and good compatibility of the rootstock with scion results in improved early and total yield without negative effects on apparent fruit quality or composition. Interspecific hybrids represent an alternative to the commonly used STO rootstock, which is a wild species with irregular germination.     

The genotypic effects on the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) berries grown in Turkey

In this study, chemical composition of berries of 10 sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) genotypes in Turkey was investigated. The total phenolic content of the berries ranged from 21.31 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per g dry weight basis to 55.38 mg GAE per g. The highest antioxidant activity was 93.54% (similar to the standard BHT at 200 mg/L) and the lowest was 80.38%. There was no correlation (R = 0.688) between the total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity. The major fatty acids in berries were palmitoleic acid (35.48%), followed by palmitic acid (28.13%), oleic acid (22.89%) and linoleic acid (3.96%). Total soluble solid content of sea buckthorn genotypes varied from 10.15 to 14.80%, titratable acidity varied from 2.64 to 4.54%, the pH varied from 2.63 to 2.98 and Vitamin C varied from 19 to 121 mg/100 mL. The average content of minerals in the sea buckthorn berries of different genotypes was 20,800 ppm N, 7100 ppm P, 7260 ppm K, 1960 ppm Ca, 1465 ppm Mg, 32 ppm Zn, 24 ppm Cu, 22 ppm Mn and 7 ppm Fe.     

GA3 increases fruit weight in ‘Yu Her Pau’ litchi

In order to increase the fruit weight of a shriveled-seed cultivar, trees of ‘Yu Her Pau’ litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) growing in Taiwan were sprayed with Gibberellic acid (GA₃) (ProGibb^®, 20% of GA₃) at 5 and 10 mg/l 14 days after full bloom (AFB) over 2 years. Both concentrations of GA₃ significantly increased fruit longitudinal and transversal diameter, and fruit, aril and pericarp weight (40–41 and 37–38 mm, and 27.3–28.4, 21.7–22.7 and 5.0–5.3 g, respectively) compared with control (35–36 and 33–34 mm, and 22.3–22.4, 17.8–17.9 and 3.9–4.0 g), but had no significant effects on seed weight, percentage of aril weight of total fruit weight or total soluble solids (0.5–0.7 g, 78.9–80.3% and 18.1–19.0 °Brix, respectively). Fruit characteristics within the two concentrations of GA₃ showed no significant difference. The results indicated that sprays of GA₃ should be evaluated in ‘Yu Her Pau’ commercial orchards, and in other elite cultivars.     

Morphological,Biochemical and Antioxidant Properties of Local Loquat (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Eriobotrya Japonica</Emphasis> (Thunb.) Lindl.) Germplasm from Turkey

Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica L.) grown well for commercial purposes in subtropical regions nearly 30 countries and originated from China. The most important loquat producers in the world are China, Spain, Turkey, Pakistan, India, Italy and Brazil. In this study, ten pre-selected promising loquat genotypes sampled from eastern Black region and analyzed for their important morphological, biochemical and antioxidant characteristics. The standard cultivar ‘Sayda’ is also included in the study. The results indicated differences for all of the morphological, biochemical and antioxidant characteristics among tested genotypes. Fruit mass and fruit flesh percentage of the genotypes ranged from 35.40?g (LOQ-8) to 46.90?g (LOQ-5) and from 79.40 (%) to 86.32 (%) indicating some local genotypes had higher fruit mass and fruit flesh percentage than standard cultivar ‘Sayda’. Total phenolic content was the highest as 263?μg GAE/g in LOQ-7 genotype while the lowest in LOQ-8 genotype (185?μg GAE/g). LOQ-7 genotype had the highest total antioxidant capacity. Local genotypes in general have higher total phenolic, total carotenoid, vitamin C and antioxidant activity than cv. ‘Sayda’.     

The culture of isolated microspores of ornamental kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) and the importance of genotype to embryo regeneration

The culture of isolated microspores of kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) was studied including the importance of genotype to embryo regeneration, medium composition chiefly the sucrose concentration and the use of colchicine, simultaneously medium renovation. It was initiated using 29 different genotypes as donor plants. Embryos were induced from six of the kale genotypes and these corresponded to the more out-bred genotypes. Embryogenesis was achieved using four different combinations of culture media: (a) microspores initially cultured in NLN medium supplemented with 13% (w/v) sucrose (NLN-13) for 48 h, followed by transfer to fresh NLN-13 medium; (b) microspores cultured for 48 h in NLN-13 medium supplemented with colchicines (50 mg/L) followed by transfer to unsupplemented NLN-13 medium; (c) microspores cultured for 48 h in NLN-16 medium supplemented with colchicines (50 mg/L) followed by transfer to unsupplemented NLN-16 medium; (d) microspores cultured for 48 h in NLN-16 medium supplemented with colchicines (50 mg/L) followed by transfer to unsupplemented NLN-13 medium. The embryos obtained from four of the genotypes developed into plantlets and these regenerated plants have been successfully transplanted to soil.     

Characterization of progenies derived from pollination of pomegranate cv. Malase-Tourshe-Saveh using fruit traits and RAPD molecular marker

Fruit traits and molecular markers (RAPD) were used to survey genetic similarities and inheritance pattern of offspring, derived from self- and open pollination of pomegranate cv. Malase-Tourshe-Saveh (MTS) as well as progenies derived from cross between ‘MTS’ and ‘Narm-Daneh’ (ND) a soft-seed cultivar in the present study. Clustering based on fruit traits, divided the accessions firstly into two major groups, sweets and sour or sweet–sours. Members of sub-clusters were different in fruit characters, and seed softness also was affecting the grouping of individuals. Offspring of ‘MTS’ × ’ND’ showed somehow seed softness with varying degrees compared to other individuals. In RAPD analysis, by using 26 polymorphic primers, 325 fragments were produced from 39 individuals, among which 70 reproducible, polymorphic bands were scored for data analysis. NTsys and Bootstrap software were used for RAPD data analysis and respective dendrogram depicted by Jaccard's similarity coefficients using UPGMA method. The similarity coefficients were ranging from 0.2 to 0.94 and the lowest was obtained between pollen parent (ND cv.) and a genotype from open pollination of MTS cultivar. The highest similarity coefficient (0.94) was observed between two offspring both from self-pollination of MTS cultivar. In corresponding dendrogram, pollen parent was separated from other genotypes and laid individually in a sub-cluster, while the mother plant clustered with its progenies. In addition, some marker–trait associations were observed, especially for seed softness.     

Some physico-chemical characteristics of black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) genotypes from Northeast Anatolia region of Turkey

In this study, some selected physico-chemical properties (antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid, fatty acids, fruit colour, fruit juice yield, fruit weight, organic acids, pH, total phenolic and total soluble solid contents) of five black mulberry (Morus nigra L.) genotypes grown in the Northeast Anatolia region of Turkey was investigated. The total phenolic and antioxidant activity of methanol extract of black mulberry fruits were determined according to Folin-Ciocalteu and β-carotene bleaching method assays, respectively. Fatty acids of mulberry fruits were determined by using gas chromatography. Total phenolic content was observed in black mulberry fruits between 1943 and 2237 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g fresh mass. The vitamin C content of genotypes varied between 14.9 and 18.7 mg/100 ml. The major fatty acids in all mulberry fruits were linoleic acid (53.57–64.41%) and palmitic acid (11.36–16.41%). Antioxidant activity of black mulberry genotypes was found between 63% and 76%, which lower than standard BHA and BHT. Regarding organic acid content, malic acid was the most predominant with a range of 123–218 mg/g followed by citric acid (21–41 mg/g). The results of the study are helpful for attempting crop improvement in black mulberry for bringing to cultivation.     

Combined effects of leaf/fruit ratios and N and K fertigation levels on growth and distribution of nutrients in pot-grown persimmon trees

Responses of pot-grown persimmon trees (Diospyros kaki cv. ‘Fuyu’) with two different leaf/fruit (L/F) ratios and three different fertigation levels were studied. On July 2, the L/F ratios of 4-year-old trees were adjusted to 20 and 10 by fruit thinning. From July 4 to August 26, each pot was fertigated with a solution containing 0–0 g (none), 10–8 g (medium), or 20–16 g (high) of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K), respectively. The L/F ratio of 10 resulted in higher yields but smaller fruits containing lower soluble solids than the ratio of 20. The non-fertigated trees with the L/F ratio of 10 produced the smallest fruits, but the medium fertigation increased the size of the fruit at this ratio. The high fertigation level decreased fruit skin color at both ratios. Fruit dry weight increased the most among the tree components, accounting for 48–57% of the tree total dry weight at the L/F ratio of 20 and for 64–72% at the ratio of 10. The increase in tree total dry weight at the ratio of 10 was greater than that at the ratio of 20. The trees receiving medium fertigation had higher tree total dry weights than those receiving high fertigation, especially at the ratio of 10. As the L/F ratio changed to 10 from 20, the percentages of N and K partitioned to fruits in the non-fertigated trees increased from 38% to 51% and from 67% to 96%, respectively, of the tree total N and K increases; the percentage decreased with increasing fertigation level. Although fertigation significantly increased total N and K contents of the tree, the increase in K at the ratio of 10 was less in high fertigation rather than in the medium level. The results indicated that adjusting supplemental N and K was necessary to ensure fruit growth and N and K accumulation for trees with high fruit loads, but high levels of fertigation are not necessarily preferable.     

Direct and indirect effects of seed related characters on number of seed in guava (Psidium guajava L.) fruits

Dessert quality of guava fruit is considerably reduced by high seed content. Number of seeds in guava is associated with different seed and fruit characters. Influence of different seed characters on number of seeds per fruit (NSPF) was studied by analysing character association and direct and indirect effects on NSPF and seed related traits for 68 genotypes of guava collected from diverse sources and conserved at National Active Germplasm Site, CISH, Lucknow. Seed related characters were studied at the colour break stage of the fruits using image analysis software for counting number of seeds. The data was subjected to path analysis to find out direct and indirect effects of different characters on number of seeds in the fruits. At genotypic and phenotypic levels, NSPF was significantly and positively associated with seed weight per fruit (SWPF), number of seeds 100 g⁻¹ pulp (NSPHP) and fruit weight (FW). The genotypic (0.0029) and phenotypic (0.0563) residual values were fairly very low, which revealed that variables included in this study had significant contribution in determining NSPF. The NSPHP exhibited high positive direct effect on NSPF. The maximum direct response (P = 0.737, G = 1.004) of this component was attributed to the indirect positive effects of the SWPF and fruit:seed weight proportion (FSWP). SWPF also had a very high positive direct effect (P = 0.521, G = 0.694) on the NSPF. Correlation and path coefficient analysis revealed that SWPF, NSPHP and 100-seed weight (100SW) were deciding factors for realizing improvement for NSPF. The importance of small seeded genotypes in selection of less seeded varieties was emphasized.     

Effects of cultivar and rootstock on the antioxidant content and physical characters of clingstone peaches

A study was conducted to investigate the variability in the fruit antioxidant content and physical characters of six clingstone cultivars and three breeding selections of peach grafted on three rootstocks. The parameters measured were fruit weight, fruit and stone dimensions, flesh color using CIELAB color variables, total antioxidant activity using the radical DPPH, total phenolics, ascorbic acid, soluble solids and total acid content. Fruit from cultivar PI-E45 had the highest total antioxidant activity (10.7 mg g⁻¹ DW) and total phenolic (6.9 mg g⁻¹ DW) content, which were up to 6.3- and 5.3-fold greater, respectively, compared with the rest studied cultivars. The highest ascorbic acid content was found in Fortuna (7.3 mg 100 g⁻¹ FW) and was up to 1.4-fold greater compared with the rest studied cultivars. A high correlation between AEAC and the phenolic content was found, but not between AEAC and the ascorbic acid content. The largest fruit was harvested in cultivar Andross followed with a descending order by PI-E45, PI-IB42, PI-A37 (seedlings of Andross), Fortuna and Loadel ? Everts and Catherina ? Romea. Changes in the fruit weight were usually according to changes in stone width. The fruit and stone shape differed among the cultivars but not among the rootstocks studied. Effects of rootstock on the fruit antioxidant contents were not pronounced. Nevertheless rootstocks altered the fruit weight since in all cultivars, apart from Romea and Catherina, when grafted on GF 677 produced the largest fruit (mean 186 g) followed by PR204 (mean 176 g) and even smaller by KID1 (mean 161 g). Results from correlation analyses showed that flesh brightness (measured in frozen fruit) may suggest for more nutritional flesh and small sized fruit may contain a redder and less bright colored flesh.     

Effects of water deficit on the vegetative response,yield and oil quality of olive trees (Olea europaea L., cv Coratina) grown under intensive cultivation

An experiment was carried out in a young high-density olive grove (556 plants ha⁻¹—Olea europaea L., cv Coratina) located in Southern Italy to evaluate the effect of different soil water availability on the vegetative and productive performances of olive trees also looking into the quality of the resulting oils. Trials were carried out over a 3-year period on trees subjected to irrigation and grown under rainfed conditions. Vegetative tree response, as shoot elongation and trunk diameter, was evaluated. Yield per plant, fruit characteristics, oil quality indices (free fatty acid content, peroxide value, UV adsorption at 232 and 270 nm, total phenols, α-tocopherol content) were determined for both irrigated and non-irrigated treatments in the ‘on’ years 1997 and 1999 (6th and 8th year after planting, respectively).     

Antioxidant phytochemicals and gingerol content in diploid and tetraploid clones of ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe)

Fresh rhizomes of 18 diploid and tetraploid genotypes of Indian ginger, including commercial cultivars and experimental genotypes, were assayed for gingerol content and antioxidant activity. The tetraploid ginger type was derived from the respective diploid ginger by shoot tip culture. [6]-Gingerol was identified as the major pungent phenolic compound in all samples (mean 1354.78 ± 470 μg/g), while [8]- (mean 180.94 ± 45 μg/g) and [10]-gingerol (mean 234 ± 79 μg/g) occurred in lower concentrations. The total gingerol content of the tetraploid type was much higher than that of the respective diploid type and especially the [10]-gingerol. Both diploid and tetraploid types of the cv. Meghalaya Local contained the highest level of gingerol. At both ploidy levels, the genotypes showed significant differences in phenols and antioxidant activities. Correlation of total phenolics with different antioxidant assay at both diploid and tetraploid level was linear and strong to moderate. For genotypes at both ploidy levels, antioxidant activity (BCO) was determined especially by [6]-gingerol while [8]- and [10]-gingerol did not affect BCO. These results demonstrated that in the tetraploid types of ginger, the gingerol content and antioxidant activity were higher than in the diploid ones.     

Physical and chemical characterization of Ceratonia siliqua L. germplasm in Turkey

Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is natively grown in the coastal areas of the Aegean and Mediterranean region in Turkey. The main carob growing areas (Mediterranean and Aegean) were surveyed and a total 70 promising wild and grafted carob genotypes were selected based on physical and chemical pod properties. Preliminary results showed that Turkey has very rich carob genetic resources containing considerable variations for most of the pod traits. In general, wild carob had smaller pods than the grafted ones. Pod mass ranged from 29.16 g to 120.28 g in the wild genotypes and 71.71 g to 147.91 g in the grafted genotypes with an average 107.61 g for the grafted and 63.72 g for the wild genotypes. The average pod dimensions (width, length and thickness) were 18.16 mm, 16.18 cm and 6.42 mm for the wild genotypes and 21.79 mm, 16.91 cm and 8.79 mm for the grafted genotypes. The average soluble solid content ranged from 59.42% in the wild and 64.06% in the grafted genotypes. The average total acidity of the wild and grafted genotypes was similar (0.78%). The pod traits of the wild genotypes differ significantly from those of the grafted genotypes, and the wild genotypes showed higher variations in these traits compared to the grafted genotypes.     

Seed characterisation of five new pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) varieties

This study evaluated the production of five new pomegranate varieties (ME14, ME15, PTO2, PTO7 and CRO1), being all indigenous to Southeastern Spain where the species shows high variability. A morphological and organoleptic characterisation of the edible portion of the seeds were investigated. Some chemical characteristics of the juice, including total soluble solids, pH, acidity and maturity index, were assessed. Morphological characteristics of both the edible and the woody portions of the seed were evaluated. Also productive and organoleptic characteristics of all varieties were considered, being ME14 and ME15 the highest yielders. Furthermore, PTO2 and CRO1 showed the heaviest seeds (both showing an average weight of 0.61 g) while ME15 the lightest one (0.37 g). Regarding seed juice content, there were significant differences among the evaluated varieties; whereas PTO2 and CRO1 showed the highest juice contents, PTO7 yielded the lowest one. However, the cultivar PTO7 showed a significantly higher acidity content than the others, along with the lowest maturity index at all. Finally, ME14 and ME 15 were very interesting because of their high production, large fruit size and excellent seed organoleptic characteristics.