Articles
Pomegranate genetic resources and their utilization in China
Article number
1254_8
Pages
49 – 56
Language
English
Abstract
Pomegranate trees are known as one of the most valuable fruit trees with a wide range of beneficial health effects.
The origin of the pomegranate is said to be in Central Asia.
This species was introduced to China through the Silk Road in 119 B.C., during the kingdom of Emperor Wu of Han.
Due to its juiciness and nutrients, the pomegranates in China are mainly eaten as a fresh fruit.
Pomegranate fruits can also be intended for juice, concentrated juice, wine and seed-oil from seeds; and tea from leaves and flowers.
It is an excellent species for forestry, landscaping, bonsai, and gardening.
After centuries of natural selection and domestication its cultivation covers several major areas in China and some processing industries have been created.
The main areas are Zaozhuang City in Shandong Province, Huaiyuan City in Anhui Province, Kaifeng City in Henan Province, Lintong District in Shanxi Province, Yuanshi County in Hebei Province, Mengzi County in Yunnan Province, Huili County in Sichuan Province and Yecheng County in Xinjiang Autonomous Region.
More than 300 accessions, as well as several excellent local cultivars have arisen on account of these interesting germplasm resources.
Since the 1980s, the Chinese authorities pointed out the importance of Chinese pomegranate resources, research and utilization.
In recent years, systematic research on genetic resources has been carried out, and a national pomegranate germplasm repository has been set in Yicheng District of Shandong Province.
The collection includes 298 pomegranate accessions.
Pomegranate industry in China grew after the 1990s.
Currently, the pomegranate area has reached 120,000 ha, with a production that is exceeding 1 million t.
Additionally, pomegranate bonsai is becoming an important part of the industry.
The origin of the pomegranate is said to be in Central Asia.
This species was introduced to China through the Silk Road in 119 B.C., during the kingdom of Emperor Wu of Han.
Due to its juiciness and nutrients, the pomegranates in China are mainly eaten as a fresh fruit.
Pomegranate fruits can also be intended for juice, concentrated juice, wine and seed-oil from seeds; and tea from leaves and flowers.
It is an excellent species for forestry, landscaping, bonsai, and gardening.
After centuries of natural selection and domestication its cultivation covers several major areas in China and some processing industries have been created.
The main areas are Zaozhuang City in Shandong Province, Huaiyuan City in Anhui Province, Kaifeng City in Henan Province, Lintong District in Shanxi Province, Yuanshi County in Hebei Province, Mengzi County in Yunnan Province, Huili County in Sichuan Province and Yecheng County in Xinjiang Autonomous Region.
More than 300 accessions, as well as several excellent local cultivars have arisen on account of these interesting germplasm resources.
Since the 1980s, the Chinese authorities pointed out the importance of Chinese pomegranate resources, research and utilization.
In recent years, systematic research on genetic resources has been carried out, and a national pomegranate germplasm repository has been set in Yicheng District of Shandong Province.
The collection includes 298 pomegranate accessions.
Pomegranate industry in China grew after the 1990s.
Currently, the pomegranate area has reached 120,000 ha, with a production that is exceeding 1 million t.
Additionally, pomegranate bonsai is becoming an important part of the industry.
Authors
Z.H. Yuan, X. Zhao
Keywords
pomegranate, genetic resources, utilization, pomegranate industry, bonsai industry, China
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