Characterization of pomegranate varieties based on DUS descriptors

Registering commercial and extant pomegranate varieties is a pre-requisite for protection of the rights of breeders and farmers under the IPR regime. Characterization of 12 pomegranate varieties was done with respect to distinctiveness; uniformity and stability (DUS) test guidelines. Characterization of pomegranate varieties showed wide variation with respect to 36 essential characters (33 morphological and 3 biochemical) identified in DUS descriptors. The results suggest that description of these varieties based on notes and states may be used as reference for protection of new varieties under PPV&FRA Rules, 2001. The database generated may be useful for comparison against the candidate varieties developed in future.