Pomegranate

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Bhagwa

The ‘Bhagawa’ variety of pomegranate also known by different names like ‘Shendari’, ‘Ashtagandha’ and ‘Kesar’.‘Bhagawa’ variety of pomegranate is heavy yielder and possesses desirable fruit characters. This variety matures in 180-190 days. Bigger fruit size, sweet, bold and attractive arils, glossy, very attractive saffron coloured thick skin makes it suitable for distant markets. This variety was found less susceptible to fruit spots and thrips as compared to other varieties of pomegranate.

• ‘Saffron’ coloured, smooth and glossy peel which is increasing its cosmetic value and market appearance of the fruits.
• 'Bhagwa' are with attractive seeds having cherry red coloured and bold arils, which are suitable for both table and processing purposes.
• This variety is suitable for long distant transport due to thick peel (Less weight loss, less possibility of damage due to bruises.)
• This variety of pomegranate have better keeping quality than other varieties ( 15 – 12 days at room temperatures).
• Free from blackening of arils even in case of late harvesting of fruits up to 7-5 months, which reduces market value of fruits.
• Its peak season is from mid-April to mid-May.

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Arakta

The ‘Arakta’ variety of pomegranate presently under commercial cultivation in various regions of Maharashtra. Pre-released in the year 1989, It has now been released as ‘Phule Arakta’ for its cultivation by the Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri.The ‘Phule Arakta’ variety of pomegranate is heavy yielder and possesses desirable fruit characters. The fruits are bigger in size, sweet with soft seeds, bold red arils. It also possess glossy, attractive, dark red skin. It is less susceptible to fruit spots and thrips. Hence, the ‘Phule Arakta’ variety is released for the cultivation in pomegranate growing areas of Maharashtra.

• It has heavy demand for export and distant markets, particularly in United Kingdom and Gulf countries etc.
• it is attractive and smooth peel increasing its cosmetic value and market appearance of the fruits.
• It is dark red coloured with attractive arils & fruits are suitable for both table and processing purposes.
• It gives high yield ( 30-35 kg/tree ) in case of better management.
• Fruits are ready for harvesting within 120-135 days (Early variety)

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Ganesh

• This variety is developed by selection method (selection from alandi). ). It is a commercial cultivar of Maharashtra.
• It has pinkish yellow to reddish yellow rind colour, having pink arils and soft seeds.
• This has pinkish flesh with juice of agreeable taste and bears heavily.
• It is a prolific bearer, fruits are medium sizedand weigh between between 225-250 gms with medium TSS (Total Soluble Solids).
• The average yield ranges from 8-10 kgs per year.

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Mrudula

• This variety has all the characters of ganesh variety except the arils are dark red in colour.
• Rind is also dark red. Arils are big, sweet and little acidic in taste.
• The average fruit weighs around 250-300 gms. IT is used as table variety as well as for processing.
• It takes 140-150 days for maturity from the date of flowering.
• This variety has a lower shelf life as compared to bhagwa variety.