PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISATION OF FOUR NEW SPANISH POMEGRANATE CLONES

The present study evaluated the characteristics of four new pomegranate clones (‘239’, ‘248’, ‘511’ and ‘351’). Morphological characterisation of the fruits, arils and seed were studied.
Some chemical characteristics of the juice: pH, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and maturity index were assessed.
Among these analyzed clones, the smallest fruits were found in clone ‘511’ (300.1 g and 85.7 mm) while the largest fruits were reported for clone ‘248’ with 854.6 g and 117.4 mm.
Aril yield ranged from 60.75% for clone ‘351’ to 43.88% for clone ‘239’. Clone ‘248’ presented lower aril yield than clones ‘511’ and ‘351’ even though their smaller fruit size.
Clones ‘239’ and ‘248’ showed high rind weight.
Results revealed that clone ‘351’ is a promising cultivar combining fruit size and high aril yield.
These properties are highly desirable in food processing and marketing.
Their flavor could be classified as sour for clones ‘239’ and ‘248’, while the rest of the clones were considered sweet and appropriate for fresh consumption.
Cluster analysis allowed classifying the four clones into two different groups (i) ‘239’ and ‘248’and (ii) ‘511’ and ‘351. In general, this is an interesting plant material due to its potential and value, useful for food and nutraceutical industries.

III International Symposium on Pomegranate and Minor Mediterranean Fruits

P. Melgarejo-Sánchez, F. Hernández, J.J. Martínez, P. Legua, R. Martínez, P. Melgarejo

Punica granatum, arils, sugars, organic acids, moisture, total soluble solids

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2015.1089.42