The pomegranate, Punica granatum L., is one of the oldest known edible fruits and is associated with the ancient civilizations of the Middle East. This is the first comprehensive book covering the botany, production, processing, health and industrial uses of the pomegranate. The cultivation of this fruit for fresh consumption, juice production and medicinal purposes has expanded more than tenfold over the past 20 years.
Presenting a review of pomegranate growing, from a scientific and horticultural perspective, this book provides information on how to increase yields and improve short- and medium-term grower profitability and sustainability. It covers:
practices to mitigate pests, diseases and abiotic stresses;
yield-based nutrition management;
cultural practices for cultivars with horticultural traits such as earliness, high yield, improved taste, soft seeds, disease resistance, and low splitting and sunscald rates;
increasing crop diversity to aid crop security; and
composition, food uses and medicinal uses.
This book is essential literature for researchers in horticulture, for growers and for those involved in the pomegranate industry.
About the author
Zabihollah Zamani is currently serving as full Professor in the Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Tehran, Iran. He received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in horticulture science and pomology from the University of Tehran, Iran and his Ph.D. in Fruit breeding and biotechnology from University of Sydney, Australia. With over 25 years experience, Dr. Zamani has contributed significant advances in all aspects of pomegranate production including, breeding, biotechnology, physiology, cultural practices, and postharvest. He played an important role in the development of his department in the area of fruit science and biotechnology. Toward improving pomegranate research and development, he published many refereed journal articles, technical reports and extension publications. Dr. Zamani supervised many M.S. and Ph.D. students who did their thesis on fruit crops, specifically on pomegranate. These achievements have been recognized with Dr. Zamani, being invited to serve high-profile advisory boards for developing or leading applied research projects in fruit crops including pomegranate.