Pomegranate

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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
Fiber
3.4 -5.0g
Ash
Calcium
3 -12mg
Phosphorus
8-37mg
Iron
0.3 -1.2mg
Sodium

15.4 -19.6g
0.36-0.73g

3mg

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Pomegranate

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

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.

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Pomegranate

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.

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.

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