Influence of pre-harvest fruit bagging and plant cover on peel colour, physical appearance and quality traits of pomegranate fruits in arid conditions

Abstract

Aim: To study the influence of fruit bagging and plant cover on microclimate modification and its role on external quality traits and physico-chemical fruit characteristics of pomegranate cv. Bhagwa in arid conditions. Methodology: Fruits bagging was done with single layer bags of news paper (NP), brown paper (BP), white parchment paper (PP), non-woven polypropylene (NWP), complete plant covering with non-woven polypropylene (CNWP), and un-bagged with no cover was kept as control. Bagging was done 60 days after fruit set and continued until harvest, each year. Results: Bagging and plant covering modified the microenvironment which positively influenced the fruit development. Among the bags, inside air temperature was higher in BP followed by NP, PP and NWP, while RH was higher in PP. PP bags was most effective for the development of attractive red peel color (a* value = 44.4) followed by NWP (a* value = 39.6) or CNWP (a* value = 36.6). All four bags were able to check thrips incidence completely, while PP bagging provided physical scratches or fungal spot free fruits. Physical attributes of fruits including fruit weight, aril weight, peel thickness and juice content were considerably affected. Interpretation: Fruit bagging or plant covering is simple, cost-effective and eco- friendly way to produce quality safe pomegranate fruits under adverse climatic conditions of arid regions.