Fruit quality improvement in pomegranate under hot arid environment

Abstract

The extent of genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance with respect to growth, fruit yield and quality traits In 25 pomegranate hybrids/open-pollinated progenies were studied. Fruit yield per plant, number of fruits per plant, fruit weight and weight of 100 arils were recorded high heritability parameters along with large amount of genetic advance. Thus, selection of progenies based on performance would be effective for these characters. The number of fruit per plant, fruit weight, diameter and length were positively and significantly correlated with fruit Yield per plant both at phenotypic and genotypic levels. Fruit weight had highly significant and positive correlation Welt fruit delimiter, fruit length and weight of 100 arils. Therefore, emphasis should be given to these characters while selecting a genotype for enhancing yield and fruit size in pomegranate. On the basis of desirable parameters, best individuals were identified from the heterozygous progenies and compared for fruit quality and yield components In respect of popular cultivar Jalore Seedless for further testing under hot arid agro-climate after clonal propagation