ASPECTOS AGRONÔMICOS E POTENCIAL ECONÔMICO DA ROMÃZEIRA

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.2182509093

• Palavras-chave: Punica granatum, fruticultura, adaptabilidade, compostos bioativos, propagação.

• Keywords: Punica granatum, fruit cultivation, adaptability, bioactive compounds, propagation.

• Abstract: The pomegranate tree (Punica granatum L.), belonging to the family Lythraceae, is a fruit-bearing species of significant economic, historical, and medicinal relevance. Native to the Middle East and distributed across the Mediterranean region and Asia, it was later introduced to the Americas and exhibits high adaptability to diverse edaphoclimatic conditions, ranging from arid regions to subtropical and tropical areas. The plant is characterized as a medium-sized, semi-deciduous tree with leathery leaves, hermaphroditic or male flowers displaying reddish-orange coloration, and globular berry-type fruits rich in bioactive compounds. Its productive cycle encompasses vegetative and reproductive phases, with entomophilous or self-pollination and fruit maturation occurring 5 to 7 months after flowering. Economically, pomegranate cultivation has expanded globally, with an annual production of approximately 3 million metric tons, valued both for fresh consumption and industrial applications. In Brazil, its production and commercialization have grown significantly, with competitive pricing in domestic and international markets. From a nutraceutical perspective, the pomegranate stands out for its high content of antioxidants, flavonoids, tannins, and organic acids, associated with functional properties potentially preventive against cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and neurological disorders. Additionally, it finds diverse applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Regarding propagation, the species can be multiplied by seeds or asexual methods such as cuttings, air layering, grafting, and micropropagation, ensuring greater uniformity and fruit quality. Thus, the pomegranate tree is consolidated as a crop of agronomic and medicinal interest, with high potential for expansion and value addition across multiple markets.