Pomegranate : Punica granatum L.
Introduction
The pomegranate Punica granatum L. belongs to the family Punicaceae. It is cultivated in home gardens in Sri Lanka specially as a medicinal plant and as a fruit tree. There is no other fruit crop that has high medicinal value compared to that in pomegranate.
Nutritive Values
(per 100g edible portion)
| Energy | 63-78 k cal |
| Protein | 0.05-1.6 g |
| Fat | Trace to 0.9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15.4 -19.6g |
| Fiber | 3.4 -5.0g |
| Ash | 0.36-0.73g |
| Calcium | 3 -12mg |
| Phosphorus | 8-37mg |
| Iron | 0.3 -1.2mg |
| Sodium | 3mg |
| Potassium | 259mg |
| Carotene | Non to trace |
| Thiamin | 0.003mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.012-0.03mg |
| Niacin | 0.18-0.3mg |
| Ascorbic Acid | 4 - 4.2mg |
| Citric Acid | 0.46 -3.6mg |
| Boric Acid | 0.005mg |
| Moisture | 72.6-86.4% |
- Analyses of fresh juice sacs made by various investigators.
Source: Fruit of warm climate, Julia F Moton (1987)
Medicinal Values / Uses
The juice of pomegranate is used for pharmaceutical purposes. It is used for treating dyspepsia and is considered beneficial in treating leprosy. Because of the tannin content of the bark, leaves, immature fruits and fruit rind are given as astringent to halt diarrhea, dysentery and hemorrhages. A decoction of the flowers is gargled to relieve oral and throat inflammation.
Major Growing Areas
Medicinal Values / Uses
The juice of pomegranate is used for pharmaceutical purposes. It is used for treating dyspepsia and is considered beneficial in treating leprosy. Because of the tannin content of the bark, leaves, immature fruits and fruit rind are given as astringent to halt diarrhea, dysentery and hemorrhages. A decoction of the flowers is gargled to relieve oral and throat inflammation.
Major Growing Areas
Pomegranate is adapted to a wide range
of climate conditions. It does well under desert conditions and produce
high quality fruits when grown in loamy soil especially in locations
with cool winter and a dry summer. In Sri Lanka most suitable districts
for cultivation are Hambantota, Puttalum, Manar, Anuradapura, Jaffna,
Monaragala.
Recommended Varieties
Local cultivars
Crop Management
Nature of Cultivation
Scattered; home gardens; also scattered in the Wet zone (less productive)
Pest and Disease incidence
Pests: Almost all Pomegranate varieties are found to be susceptible to the Pomegranate butterfly (Virachola isocrates) which is the most important pest in Sri Lanka. The caterpillar of the butterfly enters the fruits and feed on it.
Diseases: In Sri Lanka, there are several fungus diseases which are economically important in Pomegranate cultivation and are detailed below.
Fruit rot
i. Anthracnose fruit rot - Caused by Sphaceloma punicae
ii. Aspergillious fruit rot - Caused by Aspergillus spp.
iii. Penicillum fruit rot - Caused by Penicillium spp.
Leaf spots
Causal organisms are Colletotrichum spp., Phomopsis spp., Cercospora punicae.
Die back
Caused by either Pleuroplaconema spp. or Centhosphora phyllostica Fruit cracking Cause is not fully understood. However it is suspected to be a physiological disorder.
Nature of Cultivation
Scattered; home gardens; also scattered in the Wet zone (less productive)
Pest and Disease incidence
Pests: Almost all Pomegranate varieties are found to be susceptible to the Pomegranate butterfly (Virachola isocrates) which is the most important pest in Sri Lanka. The caterpillar of the butterfly enters the fruits and feed on it.
Diseases: In Sri Lanka, there are several fungus diseases which are economically important in Pomegranate cultivation and are detailed below.
Fruit rot
i. Anthracnose fruit rot - Caused by Sphaceloma punicae
ii. Aspergillious fruit rot - Caused by Aspergillus spp.
iii. Penicillum fruit rot - Caused by Penicillium spp.
Leaf spots
Causal organisms are Colletotrichum spp., Phomopsis spp., Cercospora punicae.
Die back
Caused by either Pleuroplaconema spp. or Centhosphora phyllostica Fruit cracking Cause is not fully understood. However it is suspected to be a physiological disorder.
Harvesting & Post-harvest Technology
Processing and Product Development
Fresh fruits of Pomegranate could be used for enjoying at the table. In some countries such as Iran, the juice is a very popular beverage. In future, fruit juice extraction can be introduced as a cottage industry in Sri Lanka. Also, extracted juice may be concentrated and frozen for future use. It may be made in to a thick syrup for use as a sauce. It is also often converted into wine.
Processing and Product Development
Fresh fruits of Pomegranate could be used for enjoying at the table. In some countries such as Iran, the juice is a very popular beverage. In future, fruit juice extraction can be introduced as a cottage industry in Sri Lanka. Also, extracted juice may be concentrated and frozen for future use. It may be made in to a thick syrup for use as a sauce. It is also often converted into wine.
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