Pomological and chemical characteristics of pomegranate cultivars (Punica granatum L.) in the valley of the river Neretva.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) in Croatia is grown on its southern coastal area. Main production is concentrated in the area of the river Neretva. In this study pomological and chemical characterization of nine cultivars of pomegranate grown in Metkovic (Bokežan, Barski slatki, Ciparski rani, Crveni rani, Dividis, Kristal, Konjski zub, Sladun and Serbetas) was done. The following characteristics of the fruit were determined: fruit weight, length, width and shape, color of the skin, arils and juice, aril weight, aril and juice yield, dry matter content, total titratable acids (citric acid eq.) and pH value. The results showed significant differences between cultivars in all analysed parameters.