Characterization and Exploitation of Pomegranate Punica granatum L Germplasm of Doda and Kishtwar Districts of Jammu Region

Abstract

newline The present investigation entitled Characterization and Exploitation of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Germplasm of Doda and Kishtwar Districts of Jammu Region was undertaken during 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 in the Division of Fruit Science, SKUAST-Jammu, Chatha. The study aimed to assess genetic variability among pomegranate germplasm collected from major growing areas of Doda and Kishtwar districts. A total of 46 pomegranate genotypeswere evaluated for morphological, biochemical, and molecular diversity.Morphological and biochemical traits were assessed using standard descriptors provided by UPOV (2013) and PPVandFRA. The study revealed significant variability among 46 pomegranate genotypes, with SKJ-Pom (Sel-9, Sel-16, Sel-35) performing best in morphological and biochemical traits. Maximum fruit weight (353.66 g, 414.56 gand 326.12 g), fruit length (8.55 cm, 9.07 cm and 7.99 cm), fruit width (9.02 cm, 9.58 cm and 9.10 cm), skin thickness (3.48 mm, 3.58 mm and 3.03 mm), aril length (13.36 mm, 15.21 mm and 11.65 mm), and aril width (10.16 mm, 12.39 mm and 8.01 mm) were observed. Out of 46 genotypes, 12 pomegranate genotypes (25.00 %) were hard seeded, 18 genotypes (37.50 %) were medium seeded, 18 genotypes (37.50 %) were soft seeded. Similarly biochemical characteristics were also observed maximum in SKJ-Pom (Sel-9, Sel-16 and Sel-35). Maximum total soluble solids (16.99 °B, 18.09 °B and 17.09 °B), titratable acidity (2.13%, 1.73% and 1.86%), total sugars (12.49 %,13.76 % and 13.77 %), vitamin C content (16.85 mg/100g, 18.02 mg/100g and 17.17 mg/100g), antioxidants (175.48 mg/100g, 227.76 mg/100g and 156.56 mg/100g) and Fe (1.51mg/100g, 2.13mg/100g and 2.05mg/100g). newlineMolecular characterization of evaluated genotypes using 22 SSR markers confirmed the higher polymorphism, with PIC values ranged from 0.40(HvSSRT_69) to 0.73(HvSSRT_823) with mean value of 0.55. STRUCTURE analysis grouped the genotypes into five sub-populations (K=5), which was supported by dendrogram clustering and admixture analysis