Pomegranate Cultivars of Georgia

Summary

In order to determine which cultivars are most suitable for production in Georgia, a harvest and postharvest quality assessment was performed on fruit obtained from established orchards in the state. Furthermore, a new orchard was established in Tifton to test new cultivars (to Georgia) acquired from germplasm sources around the world.

Situation

The newly founded Georgia Pomegranate Association (GPA), comprised primarily of blueberry growers wishing to diversify their crop in order to mitigate fluctuations in price and season, are actively promoting the production of pomegranate as an alternative high-value crop to compliment current blueberry production. However, numerous basic questions regarding pomegranate cultivation, handling and processing are yet to be answered, and are inhibiting the expansion of the industry. One of the most important questions to be answered is which cultivar to plant.

Response

The College has responded by working closely with the GPA to develop on-farm research trials to perform important studies to further the advancement of the industry. We have recently revitalized a small orchard located at Ponder Farm and used this as a starting point for determining cultivars suitable for production in south Georgia. Using the fruit from this site, we have performed numerous studies evaluating postharvest quality, phytonutrient content, potential for juice processing, and identification of fruit pathogens. Financial support for this project was acquired from the USDA SCBGP-FB ($50,000 over 2 years), and a shared investigation (with kale) from the USDA-ISE ($149,885 over 3-years) program. About 1/3rd of a 1.3 acre orchard was established in August 2010 that has been planted with over 25 cultivars already present in the region. The remaining acreage will be planted over the next 2 years with new cultivars obtained from the USDA pomegranate germplasm repository, as well as numerous cultivars from Croatia. Georgia will be the first known evaluation site for this exported Croatian germplasm. Great differences were found between individual fruit size, internal and external fruit color and quality, seed hardness, aril color, and antioxidant content. Two cultivars that performed consistently well were 'Nikitski ranni' and 'Cranberry'. They both have good productivity, color, and taste, and had excellent antioxidant values.

Impact

This project identified 3-5 cultivars that perform well in many aspects of tree productivity, fruit quality, storage potential, and consumer visual and taste appeal. This information has been informally relayed to growers via GPA meetings and through other forms of contact. In the very near future, formal presentation of the results through extension publications will be made available through CAES. The first SE Regional Pomegranate Workshop took place over 2 days in late September. Participants from SC and FL, as well as numerous growers and researchers from GA were in attendance. The program consisted of orchard tours, pomegranate taste tests, and discussion towards joint regional research initiatives.

State Issue

Agribusiness Development/Value Added

Details

• Year: 2010
• Geographic Scope: Multi-State/Regional
• County: Tift
• Program Areas:
  • Agriculture & Natural Resources