Variations in tree and fruit characteristics revealed potential dwarfing genotypes within Iran’s pomegranate germplasm

Abstract

This study aimed to explore diversity in dwarfing tendencies, determine the correlation of measured traits with dwarfing, and identify and select promising dwarf candidates as potential scions or rootstock cultivars. Growth habit, vegetative attributes, fruit physicochemical characteristics,and leaf stomatal densityof 19 Iranian pomegranate cultivars, which have been collected across the country and established in the Yazd pomegranate germplasm, were assessed. Results showed that the cultivars differed in almost all measuredtraits. The tree height and canopy width, current year’s shoot, and internode length were within the range of 1.97­4.6 m, 1.53­4 m, 15­41.5 cm 1.96­3.39 cm, respectively. Moreover, a positive correlation was observed between tree height and internode length (r= 0.55), whereas a negative correlation was obtained between stomatal density and tree height (r= ­0.44). Based on characteristics measured for the vegetative growth, ‘Malas No. 1 Saravan’ and ‘Torosh Nar Riz Zirab’ proved dwarfing habit. ‘Rabab Poost Ghermez Neyriz’,a commercial cultivar, showed semi­dwarfing growth and ‘Khajei Ghasrodasht Fars’, ‘Shahsavar Seydan Marvdasht’, ‘Bihaste Ravar’, ‘Bihaste Sangan Khash’, ‘Torosh Goli Naz Behshahr’ and ‘Anar Siah’ resulted in vigorous trees. This preliminary study found promising dwarf and semi­dwarf genotypes at Iran’s pomegranate germplasm.