Shoot Tip Culture Method for Rapid Clonal Propagation of Pomegranate ( Punica granatum L.)

Pomegranate is an important fruit crop and a native of Middle-East. Over years, it has spread to many geographical regions viz., Mediterranean, Southern Europe, Asia, Northern Africa and USA. Most of the present day elite genotypes of pomegranate are natural hybrids which would not breed true by seed propagation. Besides, conventional vegetative propagation methods are also relatively difficult and commercially less feasible. Hence, it would be desirable to develop a rapid and efficient method of micropropagation such as shoot tip culture.