Jon Clarke (Publisher & Editor)
A TEAM of Spanish researchers has produced high quality pomegranates with a shelf life of almost 100 days.
The new variety also required 40% less water during cultivation, according to the scientists at Murcia’s Institute of Plant Biotechnology of the Polytechnic University of Cartagena (UPCT) .
The fruits are ideal for the processing industry, to be sold peeled, washed, packed and ready for consumption, reaching in this case a shelf life of 20 days.
As a result of post-harvest treatments, the fruit is rich in healthy bioactive compounds.
Murcia is one of the regions most affected by water shortages in Spain; consequently, many research groups are currently looking for strategies that can help reduce water consumption in agriculture.
