Pomegranate Cultivar Trials for Market Expansion in Southern Nevada
ISSN 2158-9429
Volume 19, Issue 1 - June 2026
Editor: Bindu Poudel-Ward
Bishop, C., Extension Educator, University of Nevada Extension
Abstract
Producers in Northeast Clark County grow pomegranates mostly for production of value-added products and differentiate their products by flavoring, as they all grow the Wonderful cultivar. Growing different cultivars could create niche products, expand the market and result in increased sales in addition to expanding the production area by growing cold-hardy cultivars. I conducted field trials of eighteen new (to the area) cultivars, led producer trials, and surveyed the public for preferences on form of purchase and taste. Combining data from the trials and public testing, four cultivars distinguished themselves as potentially benefiting producers economically: Carolina Vernum for higher juice yields, Mollar for its sweetness and fresh eating qualities, Russian 18 for its unique taste and Asperonski for its cold-hardiness, expanding the production area north to Lincoln county.
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