Developing Pomegranates Amid Climate Crisis Challenges

Dr. Tamar Azoulay-Shemer, researcher and head of the fruit tree science unit, Newe Ya’ar, Volcani Center: ” I chose to focus our lab research on how climate change affects deciduous fruit trees and finding strategies to improve their resilience. Pomegranates, are known for their agricultural-economic and cultural significance, and their symbolic importance in Jewish tradition. In an era of climate change, the pomegranate is an important agricultural crop that faces considerable challenges, necessitating the development of new pomegranate cultivars. We focus on creating varieties that are more resilient to changing climates, with improved storage capabilities, and wide-ranging of ripening times. This ensures a stable and diverse food supply for the growing global population while addressing contemporary agricultural issues. Pomegranate breeding is not simply about improving taste or appearance; it is a critical mission for food security and sustaining a rich agricultural practice in the face of future challenges.”

The pomegranate holds deep meaning in Israeli culture, symbolizing fertility, and blessing. It adorns holy artifacts, jewelry, and works of art and is one of the iconic symbols of Rosh Hashanah in Jewish folklore. Traditionally, it is believed that a pomegranate has 613 seeds (though not always accurate), corresponding to the 613 commandments in the Torah. Eating pomegranates on Rosh Hashanah comes with the blessing, “May it be a good and sweet year,” and the hope that “we be filled with mitzvot like a pomegranate,” expressing a desire to become a better human being in the future year. Beyond its symbolism, the pomegranate is nutritionally rich, containing high levels of antioxidants, vitamin C, and various minerals, with studies highlighting its benefits for heart and vascular health.

The fruit tree science unit at Newe Ya’ar has been involved in breeding deciduous fruit trees for many years. The development of new varieties uses a 50-year-old genetic collection, one of the largest in the world, which includes commercial and wild varieties of deciduous fruit trees, including pomegranates. Using breeding processes , genetic and various biological research tools, we develop various new pomegranate varieties. Recently, with global warming, climate changes, and food security challenges, the breeding of new pomegranate varieties by fruit tree science unit at Neve Ya’ar has taken on new significance. Development of varieties such as ‘Neta-Ni,’ ‘Kedem,’ and ‘Emek Plus,’ which combine early ripening, excellent taste, and resistance to harsh climatic conditions, demonstrates the ability to adapt traditional crops to future climate challenges. Additionally, other new varieties adapted to hot regions and with high resistance to extreme climatic conditions have been developed, and today these varieties are being tested for cultivation in the Gaza border area, which has been severely affected by the “Operation Iron Swords” war. The research and development for restoring agriculture in the south reflect the spirit of renewal and resilience of Israel. The pomegranate industry in Israel is based on local marketing and, primarily, competitive exports to global markets. To be successful in export markets, excellent pomegranates must be ripened when they can be marketed at premium prices. Developing various varieties that ripen over a broad time frame, from mid-July to early November, strengthens Israel’s position in the global market and contributes to the local economy.

Dr. Azoulay-Shamer says that researching and promoting the pomegranate industry is more than just a scientific and agricultural task for her. “I enjoy advancing collaborative research together with farmers, agricultural advisors (Extension Services), and other researchers in the field, as with Dr. Doron Holland, who led pomegranate research and breeding at Neve Ya’ar until his retirement, and continues to contribute to various projects. Additional research studies are being conducted in collaboration with other research groups. The pomegranate contains many compounds that slow inflammation, atherosclerosis, and aging. Together with Prof. Rachel Amir (MIGAL Research Institute), we are examining the control of active compound production in pomegranates and identifying the pathways that lead to their creation.”
The pomegranate industry in Israel relies on local marketing and competitive exports to global markets. Therefore, fruit storage ability during cold shipping to foreign markets is crucial, especially to distant regions like North America and the Far East, where the demand for early sweet varieties is increasing. In another research project, together with Dr. Ron Porat from the Department of Postharvest and Food Sciences at the Volcani Center, we investigate the storage potential of new varieties and hybrids that were developed by the unit through the pomgrande breeding program.

The research and development are a joint effort of many researchers and farmers, including Prof. Rachel Amir, Dr. Ron Porat, the Newe Ya’ar fruit tree science unit: Dr. Doron Holland, Irit Bar-Yaakov, Tali Trainin, Rotem Harel Beja, Kamal Khateeb, and Yehuda Karon from Mishmar HaNegev. Special thanks to the funding bodies, including the Chief Scientist and BARD.

For further inquiries, please contact Dr. Tamar Azoulay-Shemer, Head, unit of Fruit Tree Sciences. Newe Ya’ar Research Center, Agriculture Research Organization: shemer.tamar@volcani.agri.gov.il