Evaluation of adaptability potentials in seven iranian pomegranate cultivars based on comparison of physiological characteristics and leaf minearl composition

Abstract

Present study was carried out to compare leaf mineral composition and some physiological parameters in seven Iranian pomegranate cultivars for evaluation of their adaptability differences in Arsenjan region/Fars province/southern Iran and selecting probable more abiotic tolerant cultivars in this region. Uniform and healthy rooted plants of seven commercial pomegranate cultivars were purchased from a commercial nursery and planted in a completely randomized block design in an orchard site in Arsenjan region. After full establishment the orchard samples (fresh leaves) were taken and transferred to lab for analysis. Cultivars included: Malas Yousefkhani Saveh, Naderi Badroud, Malas Daneh Ghermez Yazd, Rabab Neiriz Fars, Shirin Shahvar Fars, Shirin Poust Daneh Ghermez and Zard Anar Arsenjan. Significant differences were found among studied pomegranate cultivars for concentrations of leaf potassium, calcium magnesium, sodium and Iron concentrations. Also parameters such as leaf total chlorophyll and carotenoids content, total sugars, relative water content and electrolyte leakage, α-tocopherol and ascorbic acid concentration were significantly different in studied cultivars. ‘Zard Anar Arsenjan’, an indigenous cultivar of the region, and ‘Rabab Neiriz Fars’ were evaluated as probable more tolerant cultivars in comparison to other cultivars. This can be attributed to their more optimized leaf mineral composition and antioxidant statues.