Effect of shallow and well-drained soil on Pomegranate cultivation
- Effect on pest and diseases incurred in Pomegranate The shallow and well drained soil helps to reduce pest and diseases incurred on Pomegranate as compared deep soil. Since deep soil has high water holding capacity which causes fungal infection, pest and disease to Pomegranate plant. This rocky soil of Solapur District protect Pomegranate from fungal and pest infection.
- Effect on TSS of Pomegranate fruit TSS content of Pomegranate is more in well drained soil as compared to the Pomegranate cultivated in deep soil. The Pomegranate plant height is more in deep soil. The fruits of the plant absorb more moisture than shallow soil. Due to high absorption of moisture the TSS value of Pomegranate fruit decreases in deep soil.
- Shallow soil contain high amount of Iron (fe) as compared to deep soil. Fe helps in Anthocyanin Biosynthesis which leads to attractive color and glossiness to fruit rind. Fe also helps in chlorophyll and protein synthesis which ultimately increases the fruit weight and size.
- High content of Potash is responsible for increasing Sweetness, Shelf life, Glossiness and attractive rind color, Disease resistance capacity, Fruit weight of Pomegranate. Solapur soil is enriching with Potash content which apparently responsible for best quality of Pomegranate with sweet taste.
- The free lime content of Solapur District soil is 5 to 10 %. For the best yield of Pomegranate fruit , soil should contained free lime approximately 5-8% and not more than 15%.High amount of free lime increases the chances of diseases incurred in Pomegranate.
- Temperature: Pomegranate tree grow very well with less deciduous effect in tropical and subtropical conditions. The semi-arid condition i.e. hot, dry and long summer and short winter is required for Pomegranate cultivation. Long period of high temperature is required for production of sweet fruit. The weather report says that a maximum temperature of Solapur District is 45 DC in summer and minimum of 10 DC in winter. The high temperature during summer in Solapur District is suitable for Pomegranate production.
- Climate: More sunlight, hot and dry climate of Solapur District with less humidity in the air, are the leading factors for Pomegranate cultivation in Solapur District. This type of climate provides anti-fungal effect as Pomegranate is sensitive to fungal infection. Dry climate also increases quality and taste of Pomegranate. It also helps to increases sugar content and acidity in the Pomegranate.
- Humidity: Humid climate lowers the quality of Pomegranate fruit and increases incidence of fungal diseases. Humid climate reduces acidity and sugar content in Pomegranate fruits. In Solapur the air is mostly dry during rest of the year except monsoon season.
The arid and less humid climate of Solapur District is favorable for Pomegranate cultivation. It helps in reducing occurrence of fungal diseases and also helps to increase sweetness and acidity of Pomegranate fruit.
The best in class pomegranate cultivar varieties is Bhagwa followed by Aarakta, Ganesh,Ruby.
The most relished Pomegranate in the world which is seasonal in India is harvested in June to September and December to February.
Features of Pomegranate
Post Harvesting: The edible part of the fruit is the seeds having a fleshy covering and called arils, which are eaten fresh or used for making juice, jam and paste. In addition, the fruit is also valued for its pharmaceutical properties. The fruit peel, and the tree stem and root bark and leaves are good source of secondary metabolites such as tannins, dyes and alkaloids.
Pomegranate, (Punica granatum), bush or small tree of the family Lythraceae and its fruit. The juicy arils of the fruit are eaten fresh, and the juice is the source of grenadine syrup, used in flavourings and liqueurs. Pomegranate is high in dietary fibre, folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin K.
