Abstract

Pomegranate ( Punica granatum L.), a small tree of the Punicaceae family, is native to Iran and widely distributed across northern India, China, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. Traditionally, it is propagated via hardwood cuttings, a process that requires up to one year to establish new plants. Thus, alternative methods that accelerate propagation are crucial for conservation and large-scale production. In Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Al-Baha region, pomegranate cultivation plays a vital role in the local economy, yielding approximately 30,000 tons annually. Indigenous landraces such as Bidah are notable for their unique phytochemical composition and resilience to harsh environmental conditions, including salinity and drought traits that align with national priorities in sustainable agriculture and food security. This study presents the successful micropropagation of the Bidah pomegranate using both direct and indirect in vitro approaches. Genetic fidelity was assessed, genome size estimated, and biological activity of leaf fractions evaluated for potential anti-cancer properties . The in vitro propagation method offers significant advantages over conventional techniques, enabling efficient plant reproduction, genetic conservation, and mass production for diverse applications. Future directions include genetic enhancement through in vitro selection and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technologies.

Keywords:  Bidah pomegranate; micropropagation; genetic fidelity; genome size; biological activity