Experimental Research on Pomegranate Varieties

[Objectives] To study the introduction performance of pomegranate (Punica granatum) varieties in Shanghai area. [Methods] In this experiment, five pomegranate varieties were introduced, namely ‘American 002’ pomegranate, ‘Huohulu’ pomegranate, ‘Wanli No.1’ pomegranate, ‘Yicheng Hongpitian’ pomegranate, and ‘American Qingpisuan’ pomegranate. Then, using these five varieties, various biological traits such as phenology and fruit quality of pomegranate, as well as stress resistance such as heat resistance and cold resistance were studied. [Results] Five varieties of pomegranates began to mature in succession in early September; the smallest single fruit weight was 90 g, and the largest was 110 g; the plants grew fast, the plants were strong, the flowers were single petal, and plants bore fruits which were ornamental and edible. In addition, the pomegranates of these five varieties had good water tolerance and heat resistance, and good cold resistance. [Conclusions] This study is intended to provide a certain reference for the introduction of pomegranate varieties, and also provide a practical basis for the large-scale planting of pomegranate.