THE EFFECTS OF IRRIGATION ON CHLOROPHYLL CONTENT OF POMEGRANATE (Punica granatum L.) TREES

Abstract

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a characteristic species of the Mediterranean area whose use and culture have longstanding tradition. It is well adapted to the growth conditions in Turkey and Mediterranean countries and is frequently found growing in wild or semi wild conditions. Pomegranates can tolerate long duration of drought once the plant is established but regular irrigation is mandatory in commercial production. In this research the effect of different irrigation on content of leaf pigments of four different pomegranate cultivars was determined. Three different water amounts were applied by drip irrigation system. First leaf samples were taken a week before starting the irrigation treatments and continued until the end of the harvest season with four weeks interval and they were taken five times. Results showed that all chlorophyll components (a, b and total) were affected by the water and they were higher in the irrigated trees than non irrigated trees.