Vol. 12, Issue 11 (2023)

Author(s):
Sri Pavani U, Anuradha Sane, Tanuja Priya B, Shivashankara KS, Dr. DC Lakshmana Reddy and Samuel DK

Abstract:
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) has gained recognition as a significant crop with its unique blend of cultural importance and potential health benefits. In this study, twenty pomegranate progenies were assessed, examining key physiological characteristics critical to their growth and development. The parameters evaluated included relative water content, stomatal density, and stomata size. Relative water content, a key factor in maintaining water balance, was examined to gauge the progenies' ability to withstand water stress – a factor with direct implications for crop yield and quality. Stomatal density, another vital aspect of plant physiology, was measured, offering insights into the progenies transpiration rates and water use efficiency. The modulation of stomatal density is influenced by various environmental factors, providing valuable data on their adaptability to changing conditions. RWC values among the progenies ranged from 47.82% to 94.44%. Stomatal density ranges from approximately 47.21 to 223.67 stomata (0.009 µm²) and the stomata size varies from 146.53 to 357.00 µm² among the pomegranate progenies.