Morpho-nutritional diversity for biofortification traits to enhance fruit quality in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)

Abstract

In the present study, a comprehensive approach to analyze twenty-five pomegranate accessions (indigenous and introduced exotic types) for both morphological and nutritional traits was used, aiming at biofortification to tackle agricultural and nutritional challenges. Significant variability was reported among the evaluated accessions for acidity (0.32–2.69), total soluble solids (9.8–17.2 °Brix), ascorbic acid (12.5–19.2 mg/100 mL), monomeric anthocyanin (0.7–46.9 mg/100 mL), reducing sugars (1.1–32.3 g/100 mL), total soluble sugar (3.6–22.9 g/100 mL), total phenols (697–3854 mg/L), iron (25–193 mg/kg), zinc (10–36 mg/kg), calcium (12–25 mg/100 g), and potassium (564–1093 mg/100 g). Promising multi-trait donors, i.e. Solapur Anardana, Yercaud HRS, IC-24685 and Mukteshwar for improving acidity, ascorbic acid, total sugar, reducing sugars, total phenols, total soluble solids, Fe, Zn, Cu, Ca, Mg, K and P were identified on the basis of heat map clustering. SSR markers further identified genetically distinct parental combinations with high (Solapur Anardana, Borekaunk and Utkal) and low (Bhagawa, Super Bhagawa and Solapur Lal) acidity types for targeted breeding. This research is significant for trait-specific breeding aimed at developing biofortified pomegranate varieties with enhanced nutritional content. Pomegranate biofortification will lead to agricultural resilience and better market opportunities for both fresh consumption and processed products. The findings emphasize the need for further evaluation of additional germplasm to refine breeding strategies for developing nutrient-rich pomegranates.