The Pomegranate Genetic Resources in Turkey

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a native and traditional species in Turkey. It is spread and grown in every area such as in the coastal and the mountainous areas as much as at a 1000-m high altitude. Mediterranean, Aegean and Southeastern Regions in Turkey have the most suitable conditions for pomegranate growing. 'Hicaznar', 'Silifke asisi', 'Katirbasi', 'Canernar', 'Izmir 1513', 'Izmir 23' pomegranate cultivars are popular in Turkey. Turkey has a rich pomegranate genetic resource and there are different types and forms. The Alata Horticultural Research Institute (Mersin) has a collection that consists of 270 accessions. Cukurova University, Agricultural Faculty, Horticultural Department (Adana), Aegean University, Agricultural Faculty, Horticultural Department (Izmir), Aegean Agricultural Institute (Izmir), West Mediterranean Agricultural Research Institute (Antalya) also have pomegranate collections. Pomegranate accessions were selected from mainly Mediterranean and Aegean Regions and other locations in Turkey. These accessions are examined according to morphological and pomological characters. Pomegranate genotypes have a wide diversity for pomological traits.