The Sultanate of Oman possesses a remarkable capacity to sustain a diverse range of fruit crops, particularly across the towering Hajar Mountains, in spite of its primarily arid climate and high temperatures. Among these crops, the pomegranate is considered the most precious jewel. The villages of Al Jabal Al Akhdar are renowned for their abundant pomegranate production owing to the cooler temperatures that meet the chilling requirements of this deciduous tree to ensure superior fruit quality. However, emerging climatic and geographical changes are increasingly threatening the future of pomegranate cultivation. This requires a deeper understanding of the influence of these factors.

In his doctoral research, Bassem Al-Kalbani explored the relationship between the geographical altitude and the physicochemical properties of pomegranate fruits. He focused on two local cultivars: “Hilu” (sweet) and “Malasi”. The experiments were conducted across three mountainous villages in northern Oman situated at different elevations: Saiq (1,919 m), Sughra (1,876 m), and Wakan (1,540 m). It aimed to assess the spatial distribution and suitability of pomegranate cultivation, analyse physical and chemical variations in fruit quality, and examine the effects of local climatic conditions on the phenological (growth stages), morphological (form), and genetic diversity of these cultivars under differing environmental settings.

The study found that pomegranate quality is primarily influenced by geographical altitude and local climate more than the genetic effect of the cultivar itself. In Wakan, the Malasi cultivar demonstrated superior coloration and physical quality with higher values for juice volume, total soluble solids, and acidity. In Saiq, the Hilu cultivar exhibited higher juice content, greater soluble solids, and a more favourable maturity index. 

Significant variations in pomegranate growth cycles among the sites were identified. This emphasised the dominant role of environmental factors. On the genetic level, the results indicated considerable genetic diversity between Omani and international pomegranate germplasm. The presence of a rich genetic resource could be leveraged to develop new cultivars with enhanced quality and greater adaptability to climatic fluctuations. 

The study concluded that altitude and local climatic conditions are critical determinants of pomegranate fruit quality. It recommended prioritising cultivars with enhanced tolerance to hot arid environments and lower chilling requirements. This will evidently strengthen the long-term sustainability of Omani pomegranate cultivation under predictable climate change scenarios and support increased local production to promote self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on imports.