Biochemical composition of some pomegranate cultivars and genotypes grown in Harran region of Turkey

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) production and consumption have increased recently due to its nutritional, medicinal and antioxidant properties of this fruit. Although, many studies have been published on the morphological and biochemical characteristics of pomegranate cultivars, little information is available about the genotypes grown in Harran region (Southeastern region of Turkey). In the present study, pomological and physicochemical characteristics, organic acid, and phenolic compound contents of two cultivars and selected three local genotypes were investigated. The results showed quantitative differences in pomological and biochemical composition of pomegranate cultivars and genotypes. In particular, fruit weight ranged from 202.26 to 313.66 g, pH from 2.33 to 3.33 and soluble solids content from 14.00 to 17.00. Citric acid was the most dominant organic acid in pomegranate cultivars and genotypes followed by malic acid. Rutin, catechin and chlorogenic acid were the dominant phenolic compounds. The results revealed that there was diversity among pomegranate cultivar and genotypes for pomological and bioactive content. Genotypes with high bioactive content were determined promising as genetic resources for future breeding programs.