Evaluation of Some Biochemical Compounds and Juice Color Indices in Pomegranate Genotypes of Oraman Region (Kurdistan Province)

Genetic diversity and the use of different cultivars and genotypes are important in pomegranate breeding and cultivation. Although, the quantitative and qualitative fruit characteristics of pomegranate genotypes have been studied in different regions of Iran, there are still regions, including Kurdistan province in the west of Iran, where no report has been published about the pomegranate genetic diversity. The present experiment investigated the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of fourteen pomegranate genotypes collected from four regions in Oraman, Kurdistan. Investigating the biochemical characteristics of fruit juice showed that the amounts of total acidity and ascorbic acid, total phenol, and total flavonoids were significantly different, but total soluble solids, taste index (soluble solids/acidity) and Brima-A index were not different. Also, the examination of fruit color indices showed significant differences in total anthocyanin, color intensity, pure red color intensity, and the ratio of total phenol to anthocyanin. Results showed that identifying and collecting pomegranate genotypes in other regions of Kurdistan province can increase the genetic diversity information of pomegranate. Furthermore, these studies can be utilized to introduce suitable genoypes in Kurdistan province or to implement breeding programs to introduce new pomegranate cultivars adapted to the climatic conditions of Kurdistan.