Breeding report of a new cold-resistant pomegranate cultivar Biliu

Abstract: Biliu selected from Yicheng green husk pomegranate, is a new cold-resistant pomegranate cultivar. The resource survey work was carried out in the main producing areas of Shandong Province in 2007. Three germplasms with relatively light degree of freezing injury were selected by the produc- tion investigation and preliminary observation, 2-year-old cuttings were used to establish the garden in the spring of 2011—2015. Systematic investigation on the growth and fruiting habits, biological and bo- tanical characteristics was from 2011 to 2018, and then the superior strains were reselected. Among them, the fine individual pomegranate in Yicheng district Liuyuan town Wangfushan village, had the characteristics resistance to cold. Regional adaptability testings were carried out at three sites (Yicheng district, Shizhong district, and Shanting district), and cutting and grafting experiments were carried out at the same time. After many years of continuous observation, Biliu had characteristics of cold-resistant. This species is a small tree. The tree is vigorous with semicircular crown. Young branches are gray, perennial branches are gray-green, branches thorns are very dense. Leaves are long oval, entire, base cune- ate, 4.6 cm long, 1.8 cm wide. Mature Leaves are dark green. Petiole is light red. Flower is red, large amount, single-lobe and has 6 pieces petals. Sepals are erect. Biliu is a medium-mature variety. The fruit is nearly oblate spherical, surface light green, average fruit weight 437 g, average 100-grain mass 36 g. Juice yield 43.9 %, the content of soluble solid 15.6%, grains are reddish, taste sweet. It has excel- lent comprehensive traits. The fruit development period is 120 d and it matures in mid to late September in Zaozhuang city, Shandong province. It is resistant to cold. Suitable cultivation area is Shandong pomegranate producing area. Orchard should choose the section with deep soil layer, good site condi- tions and water irrigation conditions. This species likes strong light and warm climate. The absolute minimum temperature should above -17 °C.