How genome sequencing could open several prospects for pomegranate farmers

The sequencing, the result of six years of hard work, has unlocked several mysteries about pomegranates which are sometimes called 'wonder-fruits' due to their immense nutritional value

In a path-breaking development in horticultural science, a team of researchers at the National Research Centre for Pomegranates (NRCP), Sholapur, under the Indian Council for Agriculture Research (ICAR), have managed to complete genome sequencing of the most popular indigenous pomegranate variety called ‘Bhagawa’.

The sequencing, which is the result of six years of hard work, has unlocked several mysteries related to pomegranates which are also sometimes called ‘wonder-fruits’ due to their immense nutritional value and market demand.

These mysteries include identifying genes responsible for sweetness of the ‘Bhagawa’ variety, seed softness and the colour of the fruit and also those