Agrosystem Particularities Enhance the Resilience of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Cultivation and High Quality Fruit Production in Testour, Northern Tunisia

Document Type : Research paper

Authors

1 BP.47 Chott Mariem

2 Higher Agronomic Institute Chott Mariem, Tunisia

10.22059/ijhst.2025.387613.998

Abstract

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is among one of ancient fruit crops known in Tunisia. The arrival of the Moriscos from Spain has further developed the cultivation of pomegranate tree, which became the emblem of the region of Testour. In order to better characterize and understand pomegranate production systems resilience in Testour, prospections and surveys were conducted in the region. Surveys have taken into account sex, age of farmers, species and varietal diversity, traditional knowledge, marketing of pomegranate fruits, production constraints and farmer’s williness. A total of eleven pomegranate producing areas were identified. As a result of the inheritance of a valuable knowledge from one generation to another, Testour region maintained a large range of pomegranate varieties and traditional agricultural techniques. Old diversified orchards “Andalusian type” were well preserved together with new intensive plantations. Local farmers played a crucial role in the preservation and management of plant genetic resources and biodiversity. Pomegranate fruit gained a particular notoriety. However, some varieties became rare and require special attention to preserve their genetic endowments. Testour agrosystem edaphoclimatic and agrotechnical particularities, inherited and improved local agricultural know-how, historical and landscape specificities constituted favorable conditions for the resilience of pomegranate cultivation. Polyculture practices and the interaction between the diversified system components allowed the production of superior quality fruits. Thus, the already undertaken process of labeling of “Pomegranates of Testour” would reinforce the resilience of this agrosystem of global interest in the context of global climatic and socioeconomic changes.

Keywords

International Journal of Horticultural Science and Technology
Volume 13, Issue 4
October 2026
Pages 699-708

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History

  • Receive Date: 28 December 2024
  • Revise Date: 16 May 2025
  • Accept Date: 26 May 2025

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