Published in Scientific Papers. Series B, Horticulture, Vol. LXV, Issue 1
Written by Oana VENAT, Adrian George PETICILĂ, Ioana-Cătălina NICOLAE, Dorel HOZA
Originally from Central Asia, pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is one of the oldest fruit crops cultivated, with a high geographical distribution. It is one of the most important crops in the Mediterranean area, some areas of Asia, former soviet countries or countries such as Argentina, Chile or the United States of America. In Romania, the species in cultivated in southern and south western part of the country, mostly as an ornamental plant, but it has potential for crop production. Despite the fact that the genetic diversity of Punica granatum totals more than 500 varieties, only 50 cultivated for their commercial value, reducing the cultivated germplasm. Punica granatum is grown in temperate and subtropical regions and it is highly appreciated in the food industry as a fresh fruit or as preservative, due to its high content in citric acid. Numerous studies mention the antiviral, anticancer, antibacterial, anti-diabetic, anthelminthic and immunomodulatory effects. Latest research identifies Punica granatum as a technical plant, of avail in nanoparticles synthesis due to its high content in antioxidants.
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