PHENOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MAJOR POMEGRANATE (Punica granatum L.) CULTIVARS GROWN IN DIFFERENT AGRO-ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS OF MONTENEGRO

This paper presents the results of a three-year study (2002-2004) on phenological characteristics of the three most common pomegranate cultivars (Slatki barski, Šerbetaš and Dividiš meke kore), grown on three different agro ecological sites (Bar, Dobra Voda and Golubovci). The beginning of vegetation, which is manifested by the swelling buds and the appearance of the first leaf was the earliest in the Bar locality in cultivars Slatki barski and Šerbetaš, in average 6 days earlier comparing to two other localities. This statistically significant difference was a direct consequence of warm maritime climate and slightly higher temperatures at this time of the year compared to the other two sites. The beginning of flowering was the latest (11 to 22 days), in locality Dobra Voda for both cultivars, which was statistically significant delay comparing with two other sites. The earliest fruit ripening was registered in 2003 in cultivar Slatki barski in the locality Bar (end of September). The differences between the cultivars were in range of 14 days. The latest ripening was in Šerbetaš cultivar in Dobra Voda that was significantly later than in the other cultivars and locations. Defoliation is a direct consequence of the cold and strong north winds so, for this phenological stage it can be considered that is directly caused by these meteorological factors.