CHAPTER-3

POMEGRANATE PROFILE

3.1 INTRODUCTION:

A significant shift towards pomegranate cultivation was evident from the

tremendous growth in its area within a short period of time. The secondary data from
District Agriculture office shows that the cultivated area of this crop steadily
increased from 2037.42 ha in year 1991 to 32097.43 ha in 2006. It means
pomegranate was once a minor fruit crop cultivated in study region but due to drought
hardy nature, it attained the status of major fruit crop. The pomegranate crop
characteristics like versatile soil adaptability, low requirement of water, drought
resistant, hardy nature of fruits, year round growing seasons were some of its main
features that favoured its cultivation.

In addition, government subsidies, good market prices, remunerative returns,

demand in national and international markets (export potentials), ability to generate
employment in all sectors of agriculture were some of the encouraging economic
factors for large scale adoption of this crop. The crop also proved its significance in
replacing subsistence farming as well as better for crop diversification.

After knowing all such facts, present topic was essentially planned to focus
light on pomegranate fruit in general and cultivation or production processes of
pomegranate crop in particular. Moreover, the attempt was also made to examine the
sustainability of pomegranate farming by identifying the gap between ideology
(recommendation given by crop experts) verses reality (cultural practice adopted by
growers).

3.2 SPECIES OF POMEGRANATE:

The pomegranate has a botanical name “Punica granatum L.” belongs to the
family Punicaceae with 2n = 16 or 18 chromosomes. The Genus Punica has two main
species i) ‘Punica protopunica’ is wild a species. ii) ‘Punica Granatum’ is a small
deciduous tree of 2 - 6 meter in height cultivated in tropical and subtropical parts of
the World (Mitra 1999).

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3.3 IMPORTANCE OF POMEGRANATE FRUIT:

The pomegranate is a globular fruit 2 - 3 inch in diameter. And when matures

it shines reddish or yellowish green in color. It has a persistent calyx often called as
‘Crown’ of pomegranate to opposite the stem end. The skin of the fruit is a thick
leathery which keeps the fruit juicy for long periods. The fruit is a berry type means
seeds enclosed in the pulp. Each seed is encased in a juicy sweet to acidic pulp (soft
fleshy edible part of the fruit) enclosed in a membranous skin. The seeds, juice, and
pulp are eaten but the yellowish membrane and skin of the fruit is not edible.

Table No. 3.1 Nutritional Value of Pomegranate Fruit

Minerals And Vitamins in 100 GM Edible Portion

Sr. Contents GM or Sr. Contents Gm or

No. mg No. mg

1 Carbohydrates 17.17 gm 5 Minerals 273.42 mg

i) Sugars 16.57 gm i) Calcium 3 mg

ii) Dietary Fiber 0.6 gm ii) Iron 0.30 mg

2 Fat 0.3 gm iii) Magnesium 3 mg

3 Protein 0.95 gm iv) Phosphorous 8 mg

4 Vitamins 7.254 mg v) Potassium 259 mg

i) Thiamin (Vit.B1) 0.030 mg vi) Zinc 0.12 mg

ii) Riboflavin (Vit.B2) 0.063 mg 6 Acids

iii) Niacin (Vit.B3) 0.30 mg i) Oxalic acids 14 mg

iv) Pantothenic acid (B5) 0.596 mg ii) Nicotinic acid 0.3 mg

v) Vitamin (B6) 0.105 mg

vi) Folate (Vit. B9) 0.06 mg

vii) Vitamin C 6.1 mg

Calorific value = 70 k cal / 100gms

(Source: Patil A B and et. al. 2008)

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3.3.1 Nutritive Profile:

Pomegranate fruit contains 52% edible parts of the total weight. One kilogram
of pomegranate fruits yields about 452 - 500 ml of juice. The fruit juice has 15 - 19%
sugar content. Table No. 3.1 proves that pomegranate is a highly nutritious and
medicinal fruit.

3.3.2 Medicinal Uses:

The pomegranate fruit also finds applications in both Ayurvedic and Unani
traditional systems of medicine (Saxena and et all 1984). All parts of the pomegranate
tree are useful in many ways. i) The powder prepared from the rind (skin of the fruit)
is an excellent source of B-Carotene, Potassium, phosphorous and calcium, therefore,
used as a tooth powder and also in medicine and cosmetic industries. ii) The bark of
the branches and roots contain alkaloid and tannic acid i. e. useful in relief from
intestinal parasitic worms. iii) The seeds are rich in oil that have hormone producing
effects and stimulates estrogen hormone. The rind powder is also used in leather and
dying industry (Patil A B and et. al. 2008).

3.3.3 Processed Products:

Apart from fresh fruit consumption for table purpose, pomegranate is also
processed into various products such as Juice Wine, Squash, Syrups Jam (anar-rub),
Jelly and Candy. They are also gaining importance in World trade. The seeds are
dried and sold as ‘Anardana’ which is used as acidulant for cooking. The 1kg of
pomegranate fruit yields around 500 ml of juice, from which 400 - 450 ml of
pomegranate wine can be prepared through fermentation by using suitable yeast
(Matapathi and et. al. 2006).

Above discussion clears that the pomegranate has great potentials of

therapeutic value; consequently, it is largely demanded in domestic and international
markets. And the growers get satisfactory returns after sale of the fruits. However, the
cultivation skill of pomegranate fruit crop covers a vast field from the orchard
establishment to the production and marketing of fruits. In this context, the sequence
of cultural operations performed by the pomegranate growers in the study area was
understood and discussed in section below.

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3.4 PRODUCTION PROCESS OF POMEGRANATE:

No doubt, introduction of drip irrigation system based on tube wells made it

possible to practice pomegranate crop in semi- arid parts of the study area. But a
question arises here is that why the farmers do preferred pomegranates than any other
fruit crop? It could be answered from several distinctive characteristics that make it
suitable to cultivate in dry tracts.

3.4.1 Promising Crop For Water Scarcity Area:

i) The pomegranate is a xerophytic plant i.e. thorny in nature and reduces leaf
lamina in drought periods. Its epidermis is multilayered and produces
membrane stomata. Therefore, the tree has the ability to withstand prolonged
water stress conditions. It is well known as ‘drought tolerant’ crop (Patil A. V.
and et all 2002). It requires low amounts of water, particularly during the
summer season when the irrigation potential is low. The farmers found it best
to cope with natural disasters like droughts hence growers often call it as a
‘Kalpvriksha’ of dry lands (Patil and Bachhav 2009). It could be grown with
widely ranging soil characteristics of scarcity areas.

ii) Pomegranate tree flowers in three distinct seasons (rainy, winter and summer)
of the year. Therefore, year around growing seasons of pomegranate enables
to harvest the crop any time of the year taking into consideration the
availability of water.

iii) The crop is not prone to weather extremities. It can sustain in as low as 5 °C
and as high as 45°C temperatures (Esin and Ulku 2007) and not much affected
by heavy rainfall and strong winds. Therefore, pomegranate is also referred to
as stone fruit.

iv) Economically, the pomegranate is early bearing fruit crop. It starts yielding
fruits within 18 - 24 months of plantation. While other fruit crops like grapes
usually take more than 4 year period for bearing the fruits. The long shelf life
(hard skin of the fruit) enables it to store for long periods and transportation to
distant markets.

Now it amply clears that pomegranate is an ideal fruit crop for water scarcity
regions.

84
3.4.2 Procedure Of Orchard Establishment:

Pomegranate growing is a long term undertaking and the trees once planted
remain in the field at least 10-12 year. The improper initial decisions taken by grower
would be difficult to correct later.

i) Selection of Orchard Site:

In case of pomegranate, soil type and availability of water are the important
factors in site selection. Usually heavy soils black cotton soils, poor water
resource lands and recently areas prone to diseases like bacterial blight and
wilt are avoided.

ii) Preparation of Land:

Initially the site selected for pomegranate plantation remains idle for two
months. Then ploughing, leveling and harrowing of land were carried out. A
deep ploughing up to 1 to 2 feet was essential because once the orchard is
established it becomes difficult to plough it deeply. It can damage the root
system of established trees. After ploughing, harrowing was done for breaking
of clods. The leveling of land was essential for demarcation of plantation of
saplings and uniform application of irrigation water. The barren and waste
lands were also brought under pomegranate cultivation. So, if required
terracing was also done on undulated surfaces.

iii) Plantation Layout:

Plantation layout was done to mark a required distance for setting the number
of pomegranate plants per hectare. The orchards are often set out in a square
or rectangular layout for ease in cultural operations.

iii) Planting Distances:

Based on field experiments at research stations, Mahatma Phule Agricultural

University, Rahuri (Maharashtra) has recommended 10 feet X 14 feet planting
distance for pomegranate orchard so that sets 740 plants ha-1. However, field
survey data (Table No. 3.2) revealed that the planting distance adopted by
pomegranate growers was most variable cultural practice.

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 Table No. 3. 2 Planting Distances Adopted by Sample growers

Sr. Planting Percent of Sr. Planting Percent of

No Distances Growers No. Distances Growers

1 8 ft. x 10 ft. 05.16 9 10 ft. x 11 ft 01.61

2 8 ft. x 12 ft. 12.10 10 12 ft x 12 ft 16.77

3 9 ft. x 11 ft. 02.42 11 12 ft x 13 ft 01.33

4 9 ft. x 12 ft. 03.00 12 12 ft x 14 ft 03.39

5 10 ft. x 10 ft. 05.81 13 13 ft x 13 ft 01.94

6 10 ft. x 12 ft. 27.42 14 14 ft x 14 ft 01.94

7 10 ft. x 13 ft. 01.29 15 16 ft x 16 ft 01.45

8 10 ft. x 14 ft. 04.19 Other distances 13.57

(Source: Compiled by researcher)

The table No. 3.2 show that only 4.19% sample growers followed
recommended planting distances. The growers have a common tendency set
maximum plants in order to get higher yields per unit of land. Recently high-density
planting has become popular. Though the double setting of trees or dense plant
population may increase yield in the initial years but they begin to over crowd with
advancement in age of the orchard. It causes poor air circulation and obstructs
sunlight penetration. It also creates difficulties for movement of workers and tractors
for intercultural operations in the orchards, ultimately affect long term survival of
orchard.

iv) Digging of Pits:

After making the layout, pits are dug at the marked locations preferably during
the summer to solarize the soil. The recommended size of pits by crop experts is about
2 X 2 X 2 feet in depth, length and width respectively. As a precaution against
termites about 50 GM BHC or carbaryl dust should apply in the pits. But due to
shortage of labour the pits of smaller size 1 X 1 X 1 feet were dug by growers. Such
cultural practice later effects on development of roots or may lead to improper growth
of trees.

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v) Selection of Variety:

Selection of proper variety is a vital decision of the grower. The Ganesh,

Mridula, Arakta and Bhagawa are common pomegranate varieties grown in the study
region. But due to good demand in markets the ‘Bhagawa’ variety is mainly preferred
by growers.

vi) Propagation Methods for Saplings:

The pomegranate is mainly propagated by two methods:

a) The common method of vegetative propagation is by rooting of hardwood

cuttings (6-8 inch in length and 0.5 inch in diameter) from fully mature wood.
It is globular grafting in local language known as “Gooti Kalam”.

b) The saplings produced by Micro-propagation method are known as ‘Tissue

Culture Plant’. Somatic embryogenesis and shoot tip culture have been done
for rapid clonal propagation (Singh H. 2009). Those are disease free plants,
now preferred by growers on a larger scale.

vii) Filling Dug Pits:

Generally, before first monsoon rains to enable young plants fully established
in the field. Pits were filled back with a good amount of manures and productive soils.
The recommended method for filling of pits is like those lower half part of dug should
be filled with a mixture of fertile soils and compost or farmyard manure (10 - 15 kg.).
Whereas for filling the upper half part of dug, the bio-fertilizers like neem-cake (500
gm), trichoderma (5 gm), mycimil (5kg) and chemical fertilizer DAP (1kg) should
thoroughly mixed into soil. The B.H.C. powder (100 gm) would also mixed into top
soil (30 - 50cm depth) to protect new plants from insects, worms. But growers
commonly used only three items for filling the pits viz. BHC powder, compost
manure and superphosphate.

vii) Staking:

The saplings were supported with single bamboo or wooden sticks. Such
staking helps them to grow erect and protect them from being blown over by strong
winds.

87
3.4.3 Cultural Practices During Gestation Period:

The pomegranate plant takes considerable long period to complete their

canopy structure for bearing the fruits usually after two years or in some cases, it may
extend even more than that. This waiting period is known as “juvenile phase” or
“gestation period” of pomegranate orchard. The experts working in the field of
pomegranate at NRCP, Solapur as well as pomegranate scientists of MPKV, Rahuri
has recommended the gestation period of 2 ½ years for giving the Bahar treatment for
first cropping season.

On the other hand, the growers do not wait so long and only 1 ½ years
gestation period is in common practice. As they insist for earlier yields, excess
amounts of chemical fertilizers, growth hormones, liquid fertilizers were applied. It
affects on average life of tree and also makes it poor against the attacks of insect, pest
and diseases.

i) Gap Fillings:

In spite of all possible care, some plants died in several weeks after
transplanting. The extent of such deaths generally does not exceed 5% of the total
plants. These gaps were filled again by planting fresh saplings of same variety.

ii) Training of Young Trees:

The framework and general shape of pomegranate tree is maintained by

training operation. The cutting, tying and staking of trees are often employed in the
training of a plant. Since tying with ropes for support is needed in initial years, until
stems become large and rigid enough to carry heavy loads of fruits and tolerate high
velocity winds.

iii) Pruning of Young Trees:

The pruning operation gives uniform size and shape to all trees that helps to
receive an equal amount of sunlight and free air circulation. The first pruning cut in
six months is made on the newly planted tree to reduce the size of top and allowed to
grow up to a height of only 60 - 70 cm in a year. The tree attains height of 1 meter in
one and half year. Hence it is said to be high headed tree.

88
 The desired shape of the pomegranate tree is commonly obtained during
gestation period of 18 months. Pomegranate trees in the study area are commonly kept
in bush shape consisting of 4 -5 branches extending in all directions, in other words,
multi-stem system was adopted by growers.

iv) Drip Irrigation System:

The drip irrigation system was often installed by growers after receiving the
plantation subsidy amounts from the Government Agriculture Department. All
commercial orchards in study regions are irrigated by laying one line of drippers per
row of trees. In order to maintain optimum soil moisture, irrigation once in a week is
widespread, while some growers irrigate more frequently.

v) Intercropping:

Considerable interspace is available between new plants up to 2 years. This

vacant space was utilized by growers for cultivating a suitable intercrop. It gives
additional income from the agricultural land engaged in non bearing stage of
pomegranate orchard. The selected intercrops were of short duration (4 - 6 months)
and after 2 years intercropping was discontinued.

However with regard to intercrops there were contrasting opinions of the

experienced growers. On the one hand, the growing of intercrops in open spaces not
only limits weed growth on orchard floor but also gives additional income when
plants are in non fruit bearing stage. While on the other hand, it is believed both the
main crop and the intercrops may not be adequately manure and managed well. It can
hamper growth and development of new plants so also affect on the long term
productivity of pomegranate crop.

Table No. 3.3 and Figure No. 3.3 indicates that 82.60% sample growers
harvested variety of intercrops including cereals (bajara and wheat), oilseeds
(groundnut and soyabean), pulses (gram), fruits (watermelon on drip irrigation) and
vegetables (brinjal, chilies’, cabbage, cauliflower, tomato). But onion was a general
cash crop that gives more income, hence it was preferred by more than half of sample
growers.

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 Table No. 3. 3 Intercrops Practiced by Sample Growers

Sr.No. Name of crop No. of Sample Growers Percent in Total

1 Onion 241 53.08

2 Oilseeds 45 9.91

3 Pulses 36 7.93

4 Vegetables 29 6.39

5 Cereals 15 3.30

6 Watermelon 09 1.98

7 Intercrop not practiced 79 17.40

Total sample growers 454 100.00

(Source: Compiled by researcher)

250

200
Number of Sample Growers

150

100

50

0
Onion Oilseeds Pulses Vegetables Cereals Watermelon Intercrop not
practiced
Name of Crop

Figure No. 3.1 Intercrops Practiced by Sample Growers

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3.4.4 Practice Of Cropping Season :

After 2 years of the plantation, the orchard becomes ready for yielding the
fruits by giving the ‘Bahar Treatment’. It is practice of cropping season includes
sequential cultural operations to be performed by grower from time to time as stated
below.

• Firstly, the irrigation is withheld 2 months prior to the Bahar. In other words,
artificial water stress was given that naturally results in shading of the leaves
by tree. Some growers also apply urea spray for leaves shading.

• Secondly, after 1½ month from date of withholding water, the trees are
medium pruned known as ‘Bahar pruning’.

• Thirdly, essential doses of fertilizers were applied immediately after pruning

and irrigation is resumed. This leads to profuse flowering and fruiting.

• Fourthly, all other required cultural operations like thinning, fertilization,

irrigation, growth hormones, soil tillage, weeding, control of insect pests
(spraying) etc. was given from time to time during 4 - 5 month period of
pomegranate Bahar.

• Finally, the fruits are ready for harvest in 4 - 5 months after flowering.

i) Bahar Pruning:

The pomegranate fruits are borne on short branches known as “spurs.” The
spurs may bear fruits for 3 to 4 years but with the advancement in age, they lose
capacity to bear and have, therefore it needs to be removed. These older spurs are cut
down (pruned) and new spurs are encouraged to develop (Patil A V and et. al. 2002).
Pruning operation is carried out to modify natural habits of pomegranate tree, in other
words, to control unnecessary vegetative growth and regulate flowering and fruiting
for good yields.

The pomegranate fruit crop requires time to time pruning throughout its life
cycle. When orchard trees are young pruning is light and heavy pruning is done old
trees. The growers usually followed two methods or types of pruning.

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a) External pruning is removing of the branches growing in external direction i.e.
to limit the tree size up to the space allocated to it. As well as to control top
level of fruit bearing branches up to convenient heights for harvesting.

b) Internal pruning is removing of internal branches to improve sunlight

penetration inside and lower parts of the tree.

ii) Thinning:

When all environmental factors are favourable, pomegranate trees can set too
many flowers and fruits but it causes overloading bending or breaking off the branch
from trees. Hence ‘thinning effect’ is given to tree by removing some flowers and
immature fruits in earlier stages of Bahar. It is a cultural practice of maintaining a
specific number of fruits on particular tree for getting good quality and size of fruits.

A full grown pomegranate tree normally produces 40 - 50 fruits of good size.

But it was as high as 60- 100 fruits per tree under intensive management practices.
Nearly 98% sample growers insisted on higher yields so did not carry thinning
operation in the orchards. Ultimately, it affects on the quality of fruits and so also
makes trees weak that in turn minimizes the life span of orchard trees.

iii) Fertilization:

Application of fertilizers is ideal for healthy growth and fruiting. Hence the
time of application was the month of May for Mrig Bahar, Octomber for Hasta Bahar
and January for Aambe Bahar. In general, pomegranate requires 11 nutrients. Those
are primary nutrients (nitrogen, potassium, phosphorous), secondary nutrients
(calcium, magnesium, sulfur) and tertiary or micro-nutrients (ferrous, zinc, boron,
copper, molybdenum).

The requirement of fertilizers varies greatly as per stage of Bahar from

flowering and fruiting. Table No. 3.4 shows the recommended dose of chemical and
organic fertilizers during Bahar treatment for an acre (320 trees) pomegranate
orchard.

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Table No.3.4 Recommended Fertilizer Doses (N:P:K) For Pomegranate Crop

Sr. Days Bahar Stage Organic Fertilizers Chemical

No. Fertilizers

1 1 to 30 Flower setting i) Org. Manure 20kg Urea - 5kg

days period ii) Neem-cake 15 kg Phosphate -15 kg

2 30 to 60 Fruit setting period As above Urea- 10kg

days Phosphate - 15 kg
Potash- 10 kg

3 60 to 90 Fruit growth period As above Urea- 15kg

days (Lemon size fruit) Phosphate -15 kg
Potash - 5 kg

4 90 to Fruit Growth As above Urea- 5kg

120 period Phosphate -20 kg
days (Guava size fruit) Potash -15kg

5 120 to Fruit colour As above Urea- 10kg

150 setting period Phosphate -5 kg
days Potash -20 kg

6 150 to Fruit weight, As above Urea- 10kg

170 sweetness Phosphate -25 kg
days setting period

(Source: Sonawane Sudhir 2007)

Table 3.4 shows that pomegranate trees need more nutrients at the emergence
of floral buds and flowering. From flowering to maturing fruit stage is known as
‘setting period’ of pomegranates. So tree utilizes the nutrients at a faster rate during
the course of fruit development.

The chemical fertilizers commonly used by growers were nitrogen content

fertilizers (ammonium sulfate and urea) helps in vegetative growth, phosphorous
content fertilizers (single super phosphate) increase number of roots and strengths to
stem. Moreover, potash content fertilizers (murate of potash and sulfate of potash) to
increase the weight of fruit and attractive color.

In addition to above primary nutrients (N: P: K), the proper application of

secondary nutrients and micronutrients to pomegranate trees holds importance in
obtaining quality and quantity of fruits. During Bahar period the deficiencies of
micro-nutrients such as zinc, iron and boron etc. can be overcome by foliar sprays.
They can be applied either in combination with one another or separately..

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 Table No. 3.5 Recommended Doses of Secondary and Micronutrients

Sr. Fertilizers Bahar Stage First Second Third

No. Bahar Bahar Bahar

1 Secondary i) Before Flowering 50 gm 75 gm 100 gm

Nutrients
ii) Fruiting stage 50 gm 75 gm 100 gm

2 Micro i) Before Flowering 25 gm 35 gm 50 gm

Nutrients
ii) Fruiting stage 25 gm 35 gm 50 gm

(Source: Sonawane Sudhir, 2007)

The absence of standard fertilizer practices leads to undersize fruits. In this

context, Sheikh and Rao (2006) reported that four split application of N: P: K per
plant has resulted in higher yield (76.04 kg / plant) with maximum average fruit
weight, higher juice percent, high sugar as compared to the low number of splits or
single dose application.

Likewise, the pomegranate experts always advised to apply fertilizers

according to the nutritional needs of the tree. Also the effect of applied fertilizer on
soil pH and nutrient balance must be considered. Therefore, soil analysis from time to
time is necessary to understand nutrient deficiencies for pomegranate tree.

On the other hand, it was noted during field survey that growers were
unaware of soil testing before applying fertilizers. The time, type and amount of
fertilizer applied varied greatly from one grower to another. It is a strong belief
among growers that more use of fertilizers will give the higher yields. As such, excess
application of chemical fertilizer not only increase growers expenses on fertilizers and
manures but also result in soil pollution consequently the fertility status of orchard
soils is declining.

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iv) Fertigation:

From an economic viewpoint, liquid fertilizers are costlier because they are
not subsidized by government as like traditional chemical fertilizers. There are
contrast opinions of growers about ‘fertigation’ technique or liquid chemical
fertilizers (water soluble) application. First belief is that though they are costlier but
more effective and productive than traditional chemical fertilizers. Whereas, others
think that they cause soil degradation, if used continuously. In this regard, based on
field experiments proper guidelines for growers are essential.

v) Irrigation:

It is essential to provide adequate water during the initial years of planting for
better growth of plants particularly to develop a good root system. Therefore, less
frequent but deeper watering is necessary.

Amount of irrigation water required for the orchard depends on the age of
orchard, type of soil and Bahar adopted by grower in particular. The orchids raised in
light soils are irrigated more frequently i. e. weekly in winter and on alternate days in
summer. Whereas, moisture retentive heavy soils were irrigated biweekly in winter
and weekly in summer.

The sudden change in soil moisture stress adversely affects the development
of fruits like flower drops, poor fruit size and cracking of the maured fruits (Patil and
et all 2002). Though pomegranate yields can be improved by a drip irrigation system
but lack of irrigation scheduling increases chances of under or over watering.

In this context, Banger (2003) calculated the daily requirement of water for
pomegranate in agro-climatic conditions of Maharashtra. Table No. 3.6 indicates that
the water demand of pomegranate increases with the advancement of in age of
orchard tree. The water need of plant also varies according to cropping season. As
expected, due to high rates of evapo-transpiration the water demand is more in
summer season (Aambe Bahar), moderate in winter season (Hast Bahar) and lowest in
rainy season (Mrig Bahar).

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 Table No. 3.6 Daily Water Requirement of pomegranate tree

Age of Orchard Pomegranate Bahar Liters / Day / Tree

Mrig 1.54
i) First Year Hast 1.78
Aambe 3.11
Mrig 5.97
ii) Second Year Hast 6.67
Aambe 11.60
Mrig 17.03
iii) Third Year Hast 19.09
Aambe 32.36
Mrig 24.34
iv) Fourth Year Hast 27.27
Aambe 46.23
Mrig 31.63
v) Fifth Year and
Hast 35.46
Onwards
Aambe 60.11
(Source: Banger Arjun, 2003)

70

60
Mrig Bahar Hast Bahar
Water in Liter / Day / Tree

50

40

30

20

10

0
First Year Second Year Third Year Fourth Year Fifth Year and
Onwards

Figure No. 3.2 Daily water requirements of pomegranate trees

96
vi) Growth Hormones:

Organic compounds other than plant nutrients, when used in minor quantities
can inhibit, stimulate or alter the growth and development of the plant are called as
‘Phyto hormones or plant growth regulators’ (Choudhari and Desai, 1993). These
hormones play vital role in regulating the growth or development activities going on
in pomegranate plant, flowers and fruits.

Some of them are in liquid form (ethereal, auxins) while others in powder
form (giberalins, cytokynins) and chloromequet chloride. They are water soluble but
applied in minute quantities through foliar sprays at various stages of Bahar to
produce high quality pomegranates.

vii) Plant Protection:

The growers often adopted integrated way to protect the orchards that included
clean cultivation practices like soil tillage practices, removal of diseased branches,
bordo-pasting on stem etc. as well as chemical control by spraying of pesticides.

A) Clean Cultivation Practices:

Weeds in orchards create shelter of many pests and disease and compete for
water, nutrient sunlight and space with a pomegranate crop (Pareek and Nath Vishal
1996). The clean cultivation practices often includes

a) Destruction of weed by cutting with sickle and turning in the soil with the
spade are the manual methods (hand weeding) practiced by growers after
every 2 - 3 months.

b) Additionally, the herbicides like Gly-phosate were also sprayed at the orchard
floors to control the growth of weeds.

c) The tractors equipped with tiller and rotavator were often used for suitable
shallow ‘soil tillage’ practices. The soil tillage practices also have other
beneficial effects like it protects the orchard floor from becoming too hard or
excessively compact i.e. improving microbial activity through soil aeration
and water penetration.

d) The mixture of copper sulfate and lime in semi-liquid form is known as

‘Bordeaux paste’. It acts wound dresser or functions as a fungicide. Therefore,
applied to stem of pomegranate tree after Bahar pruning of orchards.

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B) Chemical control:

Presently plant protection is mainly based on chemical control. So spraying of

chemicals namely insecticides, pesticides and fungicides either separately or in
combination with one another is the vital part and technique adopted by grower in
plant protection. This issue is discussed in detail in Chapter 7 (problems of pests and
diseases).

3.4.5 Harvesting Of Pomegranate:

Pomegranate fruits usually take a period of 135 to 170 days to reach at

maturity after blossom. The Bhagawa variety matures within 6-7 months while
Ganesh, Aarkata and Mridula matures in 4½ months. Five major operations viz.
harvesting, grading, packing, transport and storage required for marketing of
pomegranate are explained at the length in Chapter 8.

In short, the discussion above on cultural practices clears that the yield of
pomegranate is determined by effective management of Bahar treatment. It included
pruning, thinning, application of organic and inorganic fertilizers, use of
micronutrients along with irrigation water applied. As well as quality fruits was
improved by useing growth hormones and chemical control of insect-pest and
diseases. The intercultural practices like weeding and soil tillage helped to keep the
orchard floor clean. If none of them are managed properly the yield of pomegranate
would be adversely affected. The cultural practices for the production of pomegranate
needs to be performed in a scientific way for obtaining good quality and quantity of
pomegranate.

The discussion also revealed a wide gap between recommendations given by

the pomegranate scientists and actual practices performed by growers in the field.
Therefore, the question strikes to our mind is that why do the growers do not follow
the recommendations ? In this context, the field survey indicated variety of problems
that growers were facing in cultivation of this fruit crop. So that had been attempted in
chapter VII of this thesis.

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