Bioactive compounds and quality attributes of pomegranate fruit as affected by continuous deficit irrigation

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a popular fruit crop known for its nutritional and health benefits. However, water scarcity in many regions of the world has necessitated the adoption of specific strategies to conserve water resources. This study aimed to investigate the impact of continuous deficit irrigation (CDI) on the chemical and biochemical traits of two pomegranate cultivars (cv. Sefri and cv. Wonderful) to assess their response to water stress and their potential adaptability to limited water availability. Therefore, during the developmental cycle of the pomegranate, three irrigation treatments were implemented: a control treatment in which irrigation was applied to fully satisfy crop evapotranspiration (100