POMEGRANATE

Pomegranate ( L.) is one of the oldest known edible fruits and is capable of growing in different agro-climates ranging from tropical to temperate regions of the world.However,its major cultivation is confined in tropicaland sub-tropical regions. It is presumed that pomegranate was domesticated in the Middle East about 5000 years ago.Interestingly, it is considered to be one of the first five domesticated edible fruit crops along with fig, date palm, grape and olive. The scientific name is derived from the name (apple)(grainy) or seeded apple. Pomegranate belongs to Punicaceae family contains asingle genus of two species, L. and Balf. f.Thespecies has two sub-species viz. Chlorocarpa and Porphyrocarpa. Sincetime immemorial, it has been embedded in human history and utilized for fruit,pharmaceutical and nutraceutical values.Despite this,its cultivation was limited and considered as a minor fruit crop in several countries including India. In the recent past,its wide range of significance in human health,nutrition and livelihood security has been recognized that triggered heavy demand for fruit consumption in India and the western world too.

Climate and soil: Pomegranate is cultivated throughout the world in different micro-climatic zones of sub-tropical and tropical regions.In Western Himalayas,it grows up to 1600-3330 m above mean sea level. Contrary to this, good quality pomegranate fruits are produced in Deccan Plateau between altitudes of 270 and 900 m above mean sealevel.It is well known that arid regions have vast potential for its intensive cultivation and quality fruit production with assured irrigation.In the sub-temperate regions of India (Western Himalayas), seedling types of trees locally known as come up naturally in abundance. It is very common and gregarious in gravel and boulder deposit of dry ravines in the outer Himalayas.These hardy deciduous seedling trees are growing since long time and they have climatic adaptability and resistance to insect pests and diseases.

Canopy Management

The world wide trend is developing for improving productivity of fruit crops with appropriate canopy management practices.In some fruit crops like apple,pear, peach, avocado, grape etc., canopy management brought significant transformation in their productivity levels. In fact, canopy in a tree refers to itsphysical composition comprising the stem, branches, twigs and leaves. But, the canopy density is determined by the number and size of leaves. Moreover,architecture has significant impact on fruit production which is determined by the number, length and orientation of branches and shoots. In any fruit crop, for optimum fruiting and quality fruit production, the canopy management of the tree is prerequisite that deals with the development and maintenance of their structure in relation to the size and shape. The basic idea of canopy management is to manipulate the tree vigour and use maximum available light and temperature to increase productivity, fruit quality and also to minimize the adverse effects of the weather.Pomegranate is a light loving plant thus enough light should be available in the tree canopy for quality fruit production. The green leaves trap the sunlight to produce carbohydrates which are then transported to the sites (buds, flowers, fruit etc.). Restricting the build-up of micro-climate congenial for the development of diseases and insect pests and convenience in carrying out the cultural operations are also important considerations

Planting system

Variety: Bhagava

Pit: 0.75 x 0.75 x 0.75m

Spacing: 4m x 4m,

Closer spacing may invite disease and pest problem.

Drench with 0.15% Carbendazim + 0.2% Chloropyriphos@2 to 4 lit/pit.

Planting

• Watering is done to allow soil to settle down.
• Use tissue cultured plants.
• Care, earth ball should note break.
• Light irrigation is given after planting immidetly drip irrigation.
• Season February – March, July-August,
• Just after planting some support required for keep plant straight. Use 1 m long bamboo wooden stick. Tie one or two places with coconut strings.

1. Pruning starts after 6-8 months to develop structural frame work.
2. 3 – 4main limbs with lowest branch starting at 25 – 30 cm above the ground(single stem training) or 3 – 4 stems ( multi stem training ).
3. Within 2 years after planting develop proper canopy.

Flowering:

The flowers may be single or grouped in two or three at the end of the branches.

Generally cross pollination occurs by insect that increases fruit set.

Three Seasons,

A) Ambe bahar (January – February flowering)

B) Mrig bahar (June – July flowering)

C) Hasta bahar ( sept – Oct. flowering)

Ambe bahar is most preferred because of high yield. We are recommending hasta bahar in bacterial blight infected areas (best fruit quality).

Pests

Pomegranate Aphid: Aphis punicae Passerini (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Mealy Bugs: Ferrisia virgata Cockerell (Homoptera: Coccidae)

Fruit Borer: Spodoptera litura (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Fruit sucking Moth: Eudocima spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Diseases

Fruit Scab: Speciloma sp.

Leaf Spot: Alternaria sp. and Cercospora sp.

Fruit Rot: Phytophthora spp, Aspergillus foetidus Thom & Raper

Note: for pomegranate saplings and crop disease and pest mangament call to our costumer care : 7799962173