Abstract
This study assesses the impact of two regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) and one sustained deficit irrigation (SDI) strategies on the fruit quality characteristics of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) compared to a fully irrigated control in a Mediterranean climate. Field trials were conducted over two growing seasons at the Cajamar Experimental Center in Paiporta, Valencia, Spain. The SDI strategy, which achieved considerable water savings of approximately 50%, led to a reduction in yield (both total and marketable), as well as a decrease in the size and unit weight of the fruits. However, it also produced arils with higher dry matter content and aril juice with higher soluble solids content, all without altering the maturity index. Notably, the SDI approach resulted in increased non-marketable production due to a higher incidence of cracking, particularly during the exceptionally hot and dry summer of 2023. Although the maturity index remained unchanged across the irrigation strategies, the SDI yielded a greater percentage of pink-red rind on marketable fruits compared to the other strategies. This is important because 'Mollar de Elche' pomegranates are typically harvested based on their external colour. Thus, the SDI strategy could allow for earlier harvesting, potentially enhancing the commercial value, as earlier harvests often command higher prices, which may partially offset some of the reduction in marketable yield. Conversely, both RDI strategies achieved a slight water saving without compromising marketable yield or the quality characteristics of the fruit.