ABOUT POMEGRANATE

The homeland of pomegranate (Punica granatum), which is among the temperate climate fruit species, is the region between the Middle East, Anatolia, the Caucasus and the Persian Gulf, and it is known that it has been cultivated for 5000 years. Pomegranate is a type of fruit that can be grown in various climatic and soil conditions, is easy to maintain, can be marketed in domestic and foreign markets at an affordable price, and can last for a long time in storage. The pomegranate plant has a wide range of adaptability. Although it is a tropical and subtropical climate plant, it can withstand low temperatures down to -10 ˚C. A part of our country is located in the homeland of pomegranate and production is carried out. It can be grown in approximately 50 provinces, mostly in the Mediterranean, Aegean and Southeastern Anatolia Regions. Pomegranate, which is generally used as a hedge plant on the garden side or in mixed gardens, has started to be established in closed gardens with the discovery of its nutritional value and the increase in export opportunities in recent years. In addition to its nutritional value, the fact that saplings are easy to produce, maintenance is easy and cost-effective, the yield obtained from the unit area shortly after planting is high, it is suitable for storage and long-term marketing after harvest, and the use of its fruits in various industrial branches has increased the importance given to pomegranate in recent years.

It can grow well in places with warm and rainy winters and long, hot and dry summers. Fresh shoots below -10 ˚C, and below -18 ˚C, the main stem is damaged by cold. Pomegranate is a sun-loving plant. It can grow from 0 meters to 1000 meters high, and it can show tolerance to various climate types. Since the pomegranate plant blooms late, it is not damaged by spring frosts, but late maturing varieties can be damaged by late autumn frosts. In pomegranate cultivation, an annual average of 500 mm of precipitation is sufficient, but it is desired that these precipitations fall in the spring. Rainfall in the summer months deteriorates the fruit quality, and the rains falling close to maturity crack the fruit shell. High relative humidity during fruit set in summer negatively affects fruit quality. Dry weather conditions during the fruit formation period increase the market value by providing quality fruit formation. Places with strong winds cause the temperature to feel lower in the winter, and the thorns scratch the fruit skins in the summer, causing the market value of the product to decrease. In such areas, windbreaks should be installed before the garden establishment. Pomegranate requires a very high temperature summation for flowering. When the total temperature is insufficient, the product cannot be obtained economically. Adequate lighting conditions should also be considered in the garden facility. Vegetative development of pomegranates takes 180-215 days in conditions where the required temperature, soil moisture and sun exposure are provided. Flowering period is 50-70 days, fruit development period is 120-160 days. The pomegranate, which is evergreen in the tropics, sheds its leaves partially or completely in the subtropics, and it has less desire for cooling.

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Pomegranate can be grown in a variety of conditions, from gravelly soils to heavy clay soils. The most suitable soil is deep, permeable, alkaline, sandy clay soils rich in organic matter. It also grows in alkaline and acid soils, can withstand moderate salinity. Conversely, some fruits appear to be tolerant of excessive soil moisture. The best growth of pomegranate is seen in deep, permeable moist and cool soils with dry and hot weather conditions.

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The place where the pomegranate orchard will be established must be clean in terms of contagious diseases and pests. In particular, it should be checked for nematodes. Deep version should be made in autumn, if necessary, 1 m. The bottom of the plow should be broken by pulling the bottom digger at intervals. If necessary, a 2nd version should be made in the fall. Before planting in the soil, 3-5 tons of burned farm manure should be mixed. Two years after planting, green manure (vetch or pod) should be planted and mixed with the soil during the flowering season. 40x 60 cm for planting. diameter pits should be prepared. Planting spacing is 1.5-3 m between rows and 3-6 m between rows, depending on varieties. is implemented as Saplings should be planted in the north-south direction for good lighting. In fertile soils, planting is done frequently (2x5m.) 8.-10. When it comes to age, the garden planting distance is 4m.x5m. can be achieved. Pomegranate (Hijaz) tree can reach the highest yield in 8-10 years with good care, 100-150 kg from a tree. product can be obtained. Pomegranate seedlings can be planted at the age of 1 or 2 in the prepared places in the garden. They can be planted after leaf fall until winter and early spring. They can be planted after leaf fall until winter and early spring. At planting time, the roots are arranged, weak shoots on the cuttings are removed. It is planted by cutting the top from 50-60 cm. After planting, life water must be given. Especially in the selection of the location of large gardens, there should be no problems such as the supply of workers, transportation and transportation.

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The purpose of conscious fertilization is to give the nutrients needed by the plant to the soil in the required amount and on time, in the form that the plant can take. The most appropriate method is to make leaf and soil analyzes. In pomegranates, 100 leaves from 25 trees are sufficient from the middle leaves of fruitless shoots exposed to the sun in the spring, from all four sides of the plant. It has been determined that the effect of organic fertilizers on the development, yield and quality of pomegranates is high. The farm manure to be given to the pomegranates should be well burned. Farm manure contains both plant nutrients and improves the soil. During the yield years, up to 40-50 kg of farm manure per tree should be sprinkled around the trunk up to the distance reached by the branch tips and mixed into the soil every 2-3 years. Green fertilization is also suitable for the organic fertilizer requirement of the pomegranate plant. After organic fertilizer, the most desired nutrient for pomegranate is nitrogen. Plants such as broad beans and vetch are planted throughout the garden and buried in the soil during the flowering period. As a result of soil and leaf analysis, if plant nutrient deficiency is observed and chemical fertilizers are required, 2/3 of the nitrogen can be given in spring (March) and 1/2 in June-July. After fertilizing, the tree should be watered immediately, if not, it should be mixed with the soil with a hoe. Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers affect flowering, fruit set and root development. It is suitable to be given in autumn and winter.