Comparing the number of Iranian pomegranate genotypes based on morphological and biochemical properties

Punica granatum L. is one of the oldest known edible fruits. Numerous chemical compounds have been isolated from pomegranate seeds, juice, and peels, which have beneficial effects on human health. This study aimed to perform the physicochemical and morphological properties of twenty-four pomegranate genotypes from various provinces of Iran. Fifteen fruits of each cultivar are collected at harvest maturity in the normal ripening period for the pomegranate from the Iranian pomegranate genetic collection in Yazd, Iran. Five fruits were randomly harvested from each of four orientations of the tree, and were immediately taken to the laboratory for analysis. Three replicates were maintained for each analysis. The results indicated the highest levels of anthocyanin was observed in S783 and R633, while polyphenols in Q529, the antioxidant capacity in N755 and the total soluble solids levels in R633 and the total acidity levels were found in K477 and E336. On the other hand, the fruit weight (in S948), fruit diameter (in SH1738), crown diameter (in R533), total weight of the seeds (in S948), peel thickness (in S716), peel colour (in S948), and red juice (in S783) are significantly affected by the genotype. At a similarity of 50%, the genotypes were divided into nine sub-clusters including A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H and I. These identified genotypes can be rolled out in future breeding programmes.