ALTERNATIVE CROPS

POMEGRANATES

M. L. Robinson
Horticulture Specialist
Alternative Crops for
the Desert 2024

1
Monday, October
 INTRODUCTION

• The pomegranate, a true desert fruit, was

first cultivated, along with figs, dates, and
grapes, at least 5,000 years ago.

• They were grown primarily in Afghanistan,

Iran, Iraq, Egypt, and Turkey.

2
Monday, October
 POMEGRANATE PRODUCTION
• Even though Afghanistan is the birthplace of
pomegranate production, it is not the largest producer
of pomegranates in the world?

• The title is held by India, followed by China, Iran,

Turkey, Afghanistan, and the United States. These top
six countries collectively produce 76% of the world's
total pomegranate yield.

3
Monday, October
 POMEGRANATE PRODUCTION
• As of 2020, pomegranate production covered an
area of 300,000 hectares (741,316 acres) worldwide.

• In 2021, the total global production of

pomegranates amounted to 3 million tons.

• California remains the largest pomegranate

producer in the United States, followed by Texas
and Arizona. The ‘Wonderful’ variety is still the
most popular in the USA.

4
Monday, October
 REQUIREMENTS FOR GROWING
POMEGRANATES IN THE SOUTHWEST

1. Climate-Temperature Zones 8. Pruning

2. Planting 9. Ways to Grow Pomegranates

3. Soils 10. Flowering

4. Watering 11. Harvesting

5. Fertilizing 12. Storage

6. Pomegranate Cultivars 13. Pests-Insects and Others

7. Obtaining Plant Material 14. Disease

5
Monday, October
 CLIMATE-TEMPERATURE ZONES

• Pomegranates grow best in USDA zones 7-10

(USDA agricultural zones).
• However, some Russian genetics allow
pomegranates to be grown in zones 5 and 6.
• Pomegranate tree sizes range from small/dwarf forms,
such as Nana, to tree forms such as Wonderful.

6
Monday, October
 CLIMATE TEMPERATURE

• Pomegranates also grow best in desert

climates where they originated.
• They survive high temperatures and
drought. (several days at 120 F in
Las Vegas)
• There are a few varieties that can survive very
low temperatures.
• Temperatures for growing pomegranates
commercially should not go below 10°F to
18°F.
7
Monday, October
 8
Monday, October
 9
Monday, October
LAS VEGAS TEMPERATURES 2024
AS OF SEPTEMBER 1
• 91 days over 100 degrees F
• 36 days over 110 degrees F
• 3 days over 117 to 120 degrees F

• Based on NOAA records, the

year 1910 holds the record for the most
100 °F days in Las Vegas history. There
were 107 days with a high temperature
of at least 100 degrees that year.
10
Monday, October
 Pomegranates in Las Vegas
after over 100 days over 100F

11
Monday, October
 GROWING IN THE DESERT 6
GALS PER WEEK

12
Monday, October
 GROWING IN THE DESERT WITH
6 GALS OF WATER A WEEK

13
Monday, October
 PLANTING A POMEGRANATE
ORCHARD

• No matter which of the pomegranates

you choose, it will take 3 to 5 years for
a good harvest.

• Unless you live in a mild winter area,

the best time to plant is in the spring
when the soil is beginning to warm.

14
Monday, October
 PLANTING A POMEGRANATE
ORCHARD
• Recommended spacing for
pomegranate trees is 15 to 20 feet
within and between the rows for
commercial production.
• Pomegranates do best in full sun with
at least six hours per day of direct
sunlight.

15
Monday, October
 PLANTING A POMEGRANATE
ORCHARD
• It is important to water newly planted trees for the first two
months or more. This will ensure that the soil around the roots
stays moist.

• Organic soils hold moisture longer than sandy soils, so sandy

soils may require more water for establishment.

• Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the planting hole where

the tree is being installed is well-aerated. This will allow the
roots to establish outside the root ball as quickly as possible.

16
Monday, October
 PLANTING A POMEGRANATE
ORCHARD

• Pomegranate trees should be inspected regularly

and kept healthy to minimize disease and pests.

• Implement an integrated pest management

program during the establishment period and
beyond.

17
Monday, October
 PLANTING A POMEGRANATE
ORCHARD

18
Monday, October
 PLANTING A POMEGRANATE
ORCHARD

19
Monday, October
 PLANTING A POMEGRANATE
ORCHARD

20
Monday, October
 SOILS

• For optimal growth, it is recommended to use well-

drained organic or sandy soil with a pH between 5.5 to
7.5.

• However, it is worth noting that at the research center in

North Las Vegas, they have achieved successful growth
with a soil pH of over 8, thanks to the addition of organic
material such as recycled urban forest mulch.

• The main fertilizer required for pomegranates is

nitrogen.

21
Monday, October
 WATERING
• Pomegranates are tough plants that can survive prolonged periods
of drought.

• However, if subjected to low water conditions, fruit production

will be affected adversely.

• Conversely, if the trees receive too much irrigation, they will

grow well but produce inferior-quality, soft fruit.

• It is crucial to maintain adequate soil moisture during the growing

season, especially in the summer and fall, to prevent fruit splitting.

22
Growing Pomegranates in California University of California leaflet 2459
Monday, October
 WATERING RESULTS IN
SOUTHERN NEVADA
Water Requirements
• Winter-once a week, 30 gallons/tree
• Fall and spring months
(temperatures 80℉ to 90℉) twice a
week, 60 gallons/tree
• Summer (temperatures 100+℉) 3 times a
week, 90 gallons/tree

23
Monday, October
 FERTILIZING

• Trees should be fertilized twice a year.

• Pomegranate trees should be fertilized twice a year,
in November and March, with 2–2.5 lbs of 8-8-8
fertilizer for young trees, and 4.5–6.5 lbs of the same
fertilizer for mature trees. Pomegranates require ½
to 1 pound of Nitrogen per year, (University of
California).

• Fertilizing too late in ‘production’, or too much can

delay fruit maturity and affect color and quality.

24
Growing Pomegranates in California University of California leaflet 2459
Monday, October
 FERTILIZING

• Depending on your soil test, other

nutrients may be needed.

• Occasionally trees can show zinc deficiency

which can be corrected by spraying with zinc
in early spring.

25
Growing Pomegranates in California University of California leaflet 2459
Monday, October
 POMEGRANATE CULTIVARS

• There are over 1200 reported

varieties of pomegranates
grown worldwide.

26
Monday, October
 NINE OF THE BEST
POMEGRANATE CULTIVARS

• The variety ‘Wonderful’, is the most common one

grown in the United States. It is the one most commonly
seen in grocery stores.
• The tree can reach 10 to 15 feet in height and 6 to 10 feet
wide. This variety is a top choice for growers in the United
States.
• Eversweet- This is one of the sweetest varieties for both
home and commercial use. It can grow 8 to 12 feet in
height. Its fruit ripens from September to October.

27
Monday, October
 NINE OF THE BEST
POMEGRANATE CULTIVARS
• Kazake-This is one of the pomegranates that can be
grown as far north as zone 5. it makes a great
hedgerow. It is a good selection for homeowners in
colder areas.
• Purple Heart- This is a good pomegranates for areas that
have mild fall temperatures. Fruit ripens from mid to late
October. This variety will tolerate temperatures down to
20°- although the fruit may not survive. This variety is
more for homeowners than for commercial growers

28
Monday, October
 NINE OF THE BEST
POMEGRANATE CULTIVARS
• Red Silk -This is a dwarf-growing plant. When mature, it
is 6 to 8 feet tall. It is more for homeowners, but it is a
heavy producer. It has hard deep pink arils from early
August to September with a red berry taste.
• Salavatski-This is another small grower of Russian
descent, sometimes called Russian Red or Russian Turk. It
is used for bonsais and is very cold hardy. It can withstand
temperatures as low as 0°F. It has a beautiful flower
throughout the spring and summer, and its fruit is large,
red and semi-sweet.

29
Monday, October
 NINE OF THE BEST
POMEGRANATE CULTIVARS
• Tom’s Red- This is an early variety, one of the first to
ripen and so could extend the harvest season. The fruit is
dark red and has pinkish arils. It has a sweet flavor with a
hint of tartness, making it ideal for juices.
• Texas Pink- This variety has vigorous upright growth,
reaching 10 to 15 feet at maturity with a spread of 10 feet.
The fruit matures around October. Its arils are pink to red
with a sweet flavor, slightly tart. It is ideal for juicing.

30
Monday, October
Pomegranate Harvest Amounts for UNR Research Center North Las Vegas
Variety 2021
LBS. Number of 2022 LBS Number of
Harvest trees Harvest trees
Ambrosia Pomegranate 81.2 4 68 4
Angel Red Pomegranate 3 1 1.4 2
Ariana Pomegranate 6.2 3, 1st harvest 11.49 3
Desertnyi Pomegranate 93 4 157.6 4
Eve Pomegranate 4 2, 1st harvest 8.9 2
Garnet Sash Pomegranate 216 3 203.5 3
Gissarski Rozovyi
Pomegranate 2 2 98.57 2
Granada/Grenada Pomegran
ate 41 7 356.9 7
Kara Gul Pomegranate 1 5 182.4 5
Kashmir Pomegranate 0 3 1.2 3
Parfianka Pomegranate 104 4 112.1 4
Pink Satin Pomegranate 12 2 32.7 2
Red Silk Pomegranate 149 5 301 5
Sharp Velvet Pomegranate 114 5 316.3 5
Sirenevyi Pomegranate 47 3 91.3 3
Sweet Pomegranate 217 7 252.4 7
Utah Sweet Pomegranate 21 3 187.5 3
Wonderful Pomegranate 154 6 339.4 6

31
Monday, October
 POMEGRANATE VARIETIES
Name Maturity Date Chilling USDA Description
Hours Zone

A.C. Sweet September - October 100-200 6-10 Exterior Color – Red to Bright Pink, Sweet and Refreshing
Flavor, Self-fruitful

Afganski October 100-200 7-10 Bright Red, Sweet-Tart, Soft Seeded Taste, Likes Full to ½
Day Sun, Cold Hardiness. Self-fertile

Agat July - September 7-10 Large Size, Red, Sweet, Flower Color Orange-Red, Full to
½ day Sun, Pest and Disease Resistant, Hardy to 10F. or
below, Self-fertile

Ambrosia September 5 - October 10 150 8-10 Medium to Large Size, Pale Pink Skin, Purple Sweet-Tart
Juice

Ariana October - November 100 6-10 Large Size, Color – Bold and Bright Red, Seeds are Soft,
Small and Almost Nondetectable, Very Good Flavor

Chernaya Roza September - October 7-10 Translates to Black Rose, Sweet Tart Flavor, Crunchy
Seeds, Very High Vitamin C Content, Most Beautiful
Pomegranate, Likes Full to ½ Day Sun, Self-fertile

Cranberry October - November 150 7-10 Medium Size, Exterior Color – Red, Light to Deep Red Arils,
Small Seed, Rated Very Good Flavor

Desertnyi October - November 200 8-10 Light Orange Rind Contrasted by Dark Arils, Firm Texture
and Reminiscent of Orange Juice Flavor, Desert Treat, Soft
Edible Seed

Eve October - November 150 7-10 Large Size, Bright Red Exterior Color, Deep Red Arils, Very
Good Flavor, Cherry Slurpy-Like 32
Monday, October
 POMEGRANATE VARIETIES
Name Maturity Date Chilling USDA Zone Description
Hours

Eversweet September 8 - October 13 150 8-10 Large, Showy, Orange-Red Flowers, Very Sweet Flavor,
Seedless Fruit, Red Skin, Clear (non-staining) Juice

Grenada September 8 - October 13 150 8-10 Darker, Less Tart Bud Sport of Wonderful, Grown as a Bush
or Tree Form, Self-Fruitful, Adaptable to Coastal Growing
Conditions

Kaim-Anor Late Fall 7-10 Beautiful Pink with Red Blush, Hard Seeded, Sweet with
Touch of Astringency, Great Potential for Growers in Cooler
Climates, Originated in Azerbaijan, Full to ½ Day Sun, Self-
fertile

Kaj-Acik-Anor Late Fall 7-10 Cold Hardy Russian, Bears Very Large Round Fruits on a
Vigorous Growing, Large Bush, Very Sweet, Excellent for
Juicing, 20% Sugar in the Juice, Best Fruit in Warmer Areas,
½ to Full Day Sun, Self-rooted, Light Orange-red, Very Large,
Self-fertile

Kashmir October 2 - November 1 150-200 8-10 Medium-Sized, Light Pink-Red Exterior, Ruby Red Seeds,
Intense Flavor, No Overbearing Acidic Taste, Slightly
Spreading Growth Habit, Grown as a Tree, Excellent Source
of Antioxidants, Self-fruitful

Parfianka September 20 - October 20 100-200 7-10 Large Size, Red Fruit Sweet with Hint of Acidity, Arils are Red,
Very Small Edible Seeds, Best Tasting, Self-Fruitful, Summer
Pruning, Vigorous Upright Plant

Phoenecia 7-10 Medium to Large Size, Sweet-tart Flavor, Soft Seeded,

Produces Best in Dry Climates, Better Suited to the West,
Bright Red Skin, Light Red Flash, Full to ½ Day Sun, Self-
fertile 33
Monday, October
 POMEGRANATE VARIETIES
Name Maturity Date Chilling USDA Description
Hours Zone

Pink Satin September 23 - October 23 150-200 8-10 Medium to Large Size, Medium Pink to Dark Red Fruit,
Medium to Large Light-Pink Edible Seeds, Non-Staining,
Sweet Fruit Punch Flavor, Grow as a Shrub or Tree,
Summer Pruning, Excellent Source of Antioxidants, Self-
fruitful

Rannii September – October 8-10 Early Ripening, Soft Sweet Seeds, Excellent Cold
Hardiness, Full to ½ Day Sun, Bright Red Flesh, Deep Red
Skin, Self-fertile

Red Silk September 18 - October 17 150-200 8-10 Medium to Large-Sized Fruit, Brilliant Red Silky Exterior,
Sweet Berry Flavor, Great Acid/Sugar Balance, Grow as a
Tree or Shrub, Summer Pruning, Excellent Source of
Antioxidants, Self-fruitful

Salavatski Late Fall 7-10 Most Cold Hardy, Orange Red Skin, Hard Seeds, Full to ½
Day Sun, Large, Self-fertile

Sharp Velvet October 10 - November 9 150-200 8-10 Large Size, Dark Red Exterior, Dark Seeds the Color of
Crushed Red Velvet, Mildly Acid, Refreshing Flavor,
Summer Pruning, Highly Ornamental Fruit, Excellent Source
of Antioxidants, Self-fruitful

Sirenevyi October 200 7-10 Speckled Fruit Ranges from Pink to Red to Tan with Dark
Red Almost Purple Arils, Sweet, Almost Spicy Flavored
Juice, Self-fertile

34
Monday, October
 POMEGRANATE VARIETIES
Name Maturity Date Chilling USDA Description
Hours Zone

Sogdiana October 100-200 7-10 Sweet-tart, Soft Seeded, Orange Red Fruit Skin, Bright Red
Fruit, Likes Full to ½ Day Sun and Well-drained Soil, Self-
fertile

Sweet September 8 - October 13 100 8-10 Sweeter Fruit, Small Glossy-Leafed, Suitable to Espalier,
Container Growing, Quality in Cool-Summer Climates,
Harvest Late Summer, Self-fruitful

Sumbarskii September - October 100 7-10 Pale Red Skin with a Tint of Orange, Bright Red Arils,
Sweet-tart, Soft Seeded, Likes Full to ½ Day Sun and Well-
drained Soil, Self-fertile

Wonderful September 8 - October 13 150 8-10 Large, Purple-Red Fruit, Delicious Tangy Flavor, Gaudy Red
or Orange Bloom, Ornamental Foliage, Long-Lived, Self-
Fruitful

DEVELOPED FOR ALTERNATIVE CROPS FOR THE DESERT CONFERENCE, LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO

PREPARED BY:
M. L. ROBINSON, JEFF ANDERSON AND MARTHA A. BARAJAS

REFERENCES:
ONE GREEN [Link]
DAVE WILSON WHOLESALE NURSERY

FOR MORE INFORMATION: [Link]/POMEGRANATES

35
Monday, October
14, 2024
 POMEGRANATE VARIETIES BY HARVEST TIMES
Name Maturity Date Description

Agat July - September Large Size, Red, Sweet, Flower Color Orange-Red, Full to ½ day Sun, Pest and Disease Resistant, Hardy to 10F. or below, Self-fertile

A.C. Sweet September - October Exterior Color – Red to Bright Pink, Sweet and Refreshing Flavor, Self-fruitful

Chernaya Roza September - October Translates to Black Rose, Sweet Tart Flavor, Crunchy Seeds, Very High Vitamin C Content, Most Beautiful Pomegranate, Likes Full
to ½ Day Sun, Self-fertile

Rannii September – October Early Ripening, Soft Sweet Seeds, Excellent Cold Hardiness, Full to ½ Day Sun, Bright Red Flesh, Deep Red Skin, Self-fertile

Sumbarskii September - October Pale Red Skin with a Tint of Orange, Bright Red Arils, Sweet-tart, Soft Seeded, Likes Full to ½ Day Sun and Well-drained Soil, Self-
fertile

Ambrosia September 5 - October 10 Medium to Large Size, Pale Pink Skin, Purple Sweet-Tart Juice

Eversweet September 8 - October 13 Large, Showy, Orange-Red Flowers, Very Sweet Flavor, Seedless Fruit, Red Skin, Clear (non-staining) Juice

SweetDEVELOPED FOR ALTERNATIVE

September 8 CROPS FOR THE DESERT CONFERENCE,
- October 13 LAS
Sweeter CRUCES,
Fruit, NEW MEXICO
Small Glossy-Leafed, Suitable to Espalier, Container Growing, Quality in Cool-Summer Climates, Harvest Late
Summer, Self-fruitful
PREPARED BY:
M. L. ROBINSON, JEFF ANDERSON AND MARTHA A. BARAJAS

REFERENCES:
ONE GREEN [Link]
36
Monday, October
DAVE WILSON WHOLESALE NURSERY

FOR MORE INFORMATION: [Link]/POMEGRANATES

 POMEGRANATE VARIETIES BY HARVEST TIMES
Name Maturity Date Description

Wonderful September 8 - October 13 Large, Purple-Red Fruit, Delicious Tangy Flavor, Gaudy Red or Orange Bloom, Ornamental Foliage,
Long-Lived, Self-Fruitful

Parfianka September 20 - October 20 Large Size, Red Fruit Sweet with Hint of Acidity, Arils are Red, Very Small Edible Seeds, Best
Tasting, Self-Fruitful, Summer Pruning, Vigorous Upright Plant

Pink Satin September 23 - October 23 Medium to Large Size, Medium Pink to Dark Red Fruit, Medium to Large Light-Pink Edible Seeds,
Non-Staining, Sweet Fruit Punch Flavor, Grow as a Shrub or Tree, Summer Pruning, Excellent
Source of Antioxidants, Self-fruitful

Phoenecia September - November Medium to Large Size, Sweet-tart Flavor, Soft Seeded, Produces Best in Dry Climates, Better Suited
to the West, Bright Red Skin, Light Red Flash, Full to ½ Day Sun, Self-fertile

Afganski October Bright Red, Sweet-Tart, Soft Seeded Taste, Likes Full to ½ Day Sun, Cold Hardiness. Self-fertile

Sirenevyi October Speckled Fruit Ranges from Pink to Red to Tan with Dark Red Almost Purple Arils, Sweet, Almost
DEVELOPED FOR ALTERNATIVE CROPS FOR THE DESERT CONFERENCE, LAS CRUCES,
Spicy Flavored NEW MEXICO
Juice, Self-fertile

PREPARED BY:
M. L. ROBINSON, JEFF ANDERSON AND MARTHA A. BARAJAS

REFERENCES:
ONE GREEN [Link]
37
Monday, October 14, 2024
DAVE WILSON WHOLESALE NURSERY

FOR MORE INFORMATION: [Link]/POMEGRANATES

 POMEGRANATE VARIETIES BY HARVEST TIMES
Name Maturity Date Description

Ariana October - November Large Size, Color – Bold and Bright Red, Seeds are Soft, Small and Almost Nondetectable, Very Good

Cranberry October - November Medium Size, Exterior Color – Red, Light to Deep Red Arils, Small Seed, Rated Very Good Flavor

Desertnyi October - November Light Orange Rind Contrasted by Dark Arils, Firm Texture and Reminiscent of Orange Juice Flavor, Desert Treat, Soft
Edible Seed

Eve October - November Large Size, Bright Red Exterior Color, Deep Red Arils, Very Good Flavor, Cherry Slurpy-Like

Kashmir October 2 - November 1 Medium-Sized, Light Pink-Red Exterior, Ruby Red Seeds, Intense Flavor, No Overbearing Acidic Taste, Slightly
Spreading Growth Habit, Grown as a Tree, Excellent Source of Antioxidants, Self-fruitful

Sharp Velvet October 10 - November 9 Large Size, Dark Red Exterior, Dark Seeds the Color of Crushed Red Velvet, Mildly Acid, Refreshing Flavor, Summer
Pruning, Highly Ornamental Fruit, Excellent Source of Antioxidants, Self-fruitful

Kaim-Anor Late Fall Beautiful Pink with Red Blush, Hard Seeded, Sweet with Touch of Astringency, Great Potential for Growers in Cooler
Climates, Originated in Azerbaijan, Full to ½ Day Sun, Self-fertile

DEVELOPED FOR ALTERNATIVE CROPS FOR THE DESERT CONFERENCE, LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO

PREPARED BY:
M. L. ROBINSON, JEFF ANDERSON AND MARTHA A. BARAJAS

REFERENCES:
ONE GREEN [Link]
38
Monday, October
DAVE WILSON WHOLESALE NURSERY

FOR MORE INFORMATION: [Link]/POMEGRANATES

 POMEGRANATE VARIETIES BY HARVEST TIMES
Name Maturity Date Description

Kaj-Acik- Anor Late Fall Cold Hardy Russian, Bears Very Large Round Fruits on a Vigorous
Growing, Large Bush, Very Sweet, Excellent for Juicing, 20% Sugar in
the Juice, Best Fruit in Warmer Areas, ½ to Full Day Sun, Self-
rooted, Light Orange-red, Very Large, Self-fertile

Salavatski Late Fall Most Cold Hardy, Orange Red Skin, Hard Seeds, Full to ½ Day Sun,
Large, Self-fertile

Kaim-Anor Late Fall Beautiful Pink with Red Blush, Hard Seeded, Sweet with Touch of
Astringency, Great Potential for Growers in Cooler Climates,
Originated in Azerbaijan, Full to ½ Day Sun, Self-fertile

DEVELOPED FOR ALTERNATIVE CROPS FOR THE DESERT CONFERENCE, LAS CRUCES, NEW MEXICO

PREPARED BY:
M. L. ROBINSON, JEFF ANDERSON AND MARTHA A. BARAJAS

REFERENCES:
ONE GREEN [Link]
39
Monday, October
DAVE WILSON WHOLESALE NURSERY

FOR MORE INFORMATION: [Link]/POMEGRANATES

 OBTAINING PLANT MATERIAL

• If you have a source for cuttings,

you can root your own trees.
• Or, you may look at contract growing
plants with a wholesale nursery.

40
Monday, October
 OBTAINING PLANT MATERIAL

• It may be difficult to obtain trees for your new

orchard plantings, so you must plan ahead.
• With nurseries such as Dave Wilson, orders need
to be placed as early as June of the previous year
to obtain the trees you desire.

41
Monday, October
 OBTAINING PLANT MATERIAL
FOR LARGE PLANTINGS

• Dave Wilson Wholesale Nursery

carries 15 varieties
• [Link]
carries 40 varieties

42
Monday, October
 PRUNING
• The process of pruning pomegranates is similar to that of other
deciduous fruit trees.

• It involves encouraging the growth of fruiting spurs on shorter limbs,

which is beneficial.

• Additionally, it is important to remove suckers, cross branches, long

curved branches, as well as any branches that are affected by disease,
insect damage, or are dead or dying.

• Lowering the height of the tree can also make for easier harvesting.

43
Monday, October
 PRUNING

• Pomegranates can be grown as large

shrubs, or small trees depending on the
grower's preference and available space for
harvesting.

44
Monday, October
 PRUNING

45
Monday, October
 PRUNING

20 YEAR OLD TREES 8 TO 10

FEET TALL PRUNED 11 MONTHS
BEFORE

46
Monday, October
 HARVESTING
It is important to harvest the fruit at the correct time
1. The first sign of ripening is the color will begin turning much
darker
2. Next the ripening fruit shape will change, it will be longer
and look more hexagon with all corners less rounded.
3. Finally, when tapped with your finger the sound will
bounce back and have a tinny sound
4. Do not pull the fruit from the tree, as it will damage both
the tree and the skin of the fruit. The skin needs to stay
intact to prevent disease from entering the fruit and
decreasing shelf life. Use sharp clippers.
47
Monday, October
 HARVESTING

48
Monday, October
 STORAGE OF POMEGRANATES

• Pomegranates can be stored 1 to 3 weeks

at room temperature
• Refrigeration at 45-55°F keeps them in good
condition for 2 to 3 months if the skin is
undamaged.

49
Monday, October
 STORAGE OF POMEGRANATES

1. Pomegranates can be made into jelly,

juice, and wine. All are good methods of
storage
2. Also, pomegranates can be made into
grenadine, molasses, and candies.

50
Monday, October
 INSECTS PEST AND OTHERS

• Leadfooted Bug (the main problem in

the Southwest)
• Damage is from their piercing and sucking
mouthparts as they prob leaves, shoots, and
especially fruit to suck out plant juices.
• It uses digestive enzymes to liquefy part of
the seed and introduces yeast into the fruit
that discolors and rots the fruit.

51
5/20/2024 University of California IPM program statewide integrated pest management program
Monday, October
 INSECTS PEST AND OTHERS

Management
• Commercially, all insect damage is intolerable
• When outbreaks happen, remove overwintering
sites (Including debris, and older dried-up
pomegranates left in the field).

52
Monday,
Unive5
rsi/t2
y o0f/C2a0
lif2
or4October
nia IPM program statewide integrated pest management program
 INSECTS PEST AND OTHERS

• Use row covers or bagging of individual fruit to control

LFPB.
• Physical removal of pests may be by hand-picking, crushing
insects, spraying plants with soapy water to desiccate them, high
pressure water jets to knock them off, or vacuuming up the
insects.
• Natural enemies such as parasitic wasps and other beneficials
may be effective.
• Insecticides may be needed in a large orchard situation. Use of
Pyrethroid-based and/or Carbaryl (2 sprayings), insecticides
will work but are quite toxic to bees.
53
5/20/2024
Monday, October University of California IPM Program Statewide
 DISEASE

• ALTERNARIA FRUIT ROT (BLACK HEART)

• This disease commonly occurs following rains during the
flowering and early fruit development.
• The disease overwinters in plant debris left on the soil, or in old
fruit left on the ground.
• According to the University of California, the petal fall stage is
the most vulnerable time for infection.
• Estimated losses run from 1%, to as high as 6%, of fruits infected.

54
Monday, October
 DISEASE
• Alternaria Fruit Rot (Black Heart)
• Pre-harvest sprays are generally ineffective.

UC IPM Pest management guidelines pomegranates publication 3474Good sanitation and other cultural practices are the best
55
5/20/2024
Monday, October
 DISEASE

• OTHER POTENTIAL DISEASE PROBLEMS.

• Aspergillus fruit rot

• Blue-green mold

UC IPM Pest management guidelines pomegranates publication 3474Good sanitation and other cultural practices are the best
56
5/20/2024
Monday, October
 DISEASE

• OTHER POTENTIAL DISEASE PROBLEMS.

• Coniella Stem canker and fruit rot.

• Gray mold (Botrytis Fruit Rot)

UC IPM Pest management guidelines pomegranates publication 3474Good sanitation and other cultural practices are the best
57
5/20/2024
Monday, October
 GROWING POMEGRANATE
FOR FLOWERS
• The University of California,
Riverside is evaluating some
pomegranates just for their flowers.

58
Monday, October
 GROWING POMEGRANATE
FOR FLOWERS

• Bonsai growers have chosen many varieties

for their flower shapes and colors.

• Here are some of the varieties that we have

tested for the last 25 years.

59
Monday, October
 GROWING POMEGRANATE
FOR FLOWERS
Shirobotan White Toyosho

Judai Zakuro
Kuro 60
Monday, October
 GROWING POMEGRANATE
FOR FLOWERS
Ato Shibori

Sarasa Shibori

61
Carrot Top
5/20/2024October
Monday,
Think of new marketing ways to
sell pomegranates

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 Holiday decore

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 RESOURCES

[Link]

[Link]

[Link]

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 RESOURCES

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 QUESTIONS?

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 M L Robinson
University of Nevada Coop Ext
Specialist/Associate Professor
Water/Environmental Horticulture
Hemp
702-257-5529
Fax 702-222-3100
Mobile 702 326 1052

Email robinsonml@[Link]
8050 Paradise Rd
Las Vegas NV 89123

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 DISCLAIMER

The University of Nevada, Reno is committed to providing a place of

work and learning free of discrimination on the basis of a person's age
(40 or older), disability, whether actual or perceived by others
(including service-connected disabilities), gender (including
pregnancy related conditions), military status or military obligations,
sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information,
national origin, race (including hair texture and protected hairstyles
such as natural hairstyles, afros, bantu knots, curls, braids, locks and
twists), color, or religion (protected classes). Where discrimination is
found to have occurred, the University will act to stop the
discrimination, to prevent its recurrence, to remedy its effects, and to
discipline those responsible.

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