Aril Color Research Articles

Impact of PGRs, polyamines and potassium to improve pomegranate flowering behaviour, fruit set and fruit quality

Ever changing climate is affecting the flowering pattern in pomegranate worldwide. It is the need of the hour to find out some chemicals that can not only enhance hermaphrodite flowers and fruit set but also enhance fruit quality. The present investigation aimed to evaluate the effect of plant growth regulators (three), polyamines (two) and other chemicals (five) on photosynthesis, flowering ratio, fruit set and quality of pomegranate fruits. Pomegranate trees were treated at full leaf expansion stage. Potassium dihydrogen phosphate (5000 ppm), spermidine (1.5 ppm) and naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) (20 ppm) were the best treatments to significantly enhance hermaphrodite flowers, as the hermaphrodite to male flower ratio was 0.39, 0.37, and 0.35, respectively, compared to 0.22 in the control treatment. Except spermidine, NAA and paclobutrazol, all treatments increased the fruit setting significantly, with potassium dihydrogen phosphate (5000 ppm) being the most effective treatment with 66% fruit set compared to 43% in control trees. In mature fruits, compared to control, NAA enhanced total phenols, ascorbic acid and total antioxidants (3%, 15%, 7%, respectively) followed by ascorbic acid treatment (250 ppm); potassium dihydrogen phosphate (5000 ppm) and putrescine (44 ppm) enhanced the anthocyanin content and hence aril color significantly (11% and 10% respectively). Though the use of NAA in pomegranate production is commercial practice, two sprays of ascorbic acid can also be included to enhance the nutritional quality of fruits. Foliar application of potassium dihydrogen phosphate twice at flowering stage could be highly useful for quality pomegranate production due to the enhanced number of hermaphrodite flowers, fruit setting and fruit color. Overall, use of these chemicals can be beneficial to pomegranate farmers to get more remuneration from harvest.

Effectiveness of potassium spraying on mitigation of aril paleness disorder in different pomegranate cultivars

Aril paleness is a physiological disorder that might be related to genetics, climate, and orchard management, and is progressed to negatively influence the quality of pomegranates in Iran. The final fruits are not economically valuable for costumers and not exportable. Thus, the present research investigated the intensity of aril paleness disorder in different cultivars including Shisheh Kab, Malas-e-Saveh, and Malas-e-Yazdi cultivated in Birjand, Southern Khorasan, Iran. Treatments included spraying potassium sulfate concentrations of 0 (control), 3 and 5% at late summer (exactly at aril color change stage) on trees for two consecutive years. Fruit and aril weight, anthocyanins, and phenols significantly increased on treated fruit compared to control. Comparison among cultivars indicated that the lowest amounts of quality parameters were observed in Shisheh Kab. Considering the multiple variables that affect the severity of the aril paleness, attention to cultivar type, climate, and the use of nutritional elements based on the soil and leaf analysis was recommended.

Physicochemical Properties, Proximate Composition, and Carotenoid Content of Momordica cochinchinensis L. Spreng (Gac) Fruit

The study aims to determine the physical and chemical properties of Momordica cochinchinensis L. Spreng (gac) fruits. Fruit size varied, weighing 359.17 to 588.33g, with lengths of 11.10 to 13.92 cm and circumferences of 27.43 to 30.67 cm. Components included pulp (34.06 to 41.58%), seeds (23.11 to 29.70%), peel (16.65 to 20.60%), and aril (15.64 to 18.64%). Skin and aril colour parameters (L*, a*, b*) indicated maturity and carotenoid content. Aril had higher acidity (pH 5.54±0.02, titratable acidity [TA] 0.03 to 0.05g/L), total soluble solids (TSS, 11.57%±0.52 °Brix), and carbohydrates (55.6 g/100 g) than pulp (pH 5.65±0.02, TA 0.01 to 0.02g/L, TSS 4.90%±0.33 °Brix, carbohydrates 30.9 g/100 g). Peel contained most protein (6.2 g/100 g) and dietary fibre (56.9 to 58.1 g/100 g). Glucose and fructose were found in both pulp and aril. Potassium levels were highest in peel (817.59 mg/100 g), followed by pulp (658.20 mg/100 g) and aril (228.79 mg/100 g). Lycopene dominated carotenoids, especially in aril (31.7 to 103.7 mg/g). β-carotene, lutein, astaxanthin, and zeaxanthin were also present. β-carotene (2.9 to 9.6 mg/g) was second to lycopene, followed by astaxanthin (1.54 to 4.91 mg/g), lutein (0.16 to 1.35 mg/g), and zeaxanthin (0.35 to 1.49 mg/g), absent in pulp. These findings have implications for the food industry, offering insights into gac fruit’s nutritional potential. Malaysian gac exhibited superior nutritional content, with pulp and aril as notable sources of carbohydrates and minerals for consumption and aril as a promising source of healthy oils.

Efficacy of active and passive modified atmosphere packaging on quality preservation and storage life of pomegranate fruit and arils: A review

Pomegranate has nutritional value and health benefits due to its bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties. Fruit consumption is strongly recommended due to its high content of vitamins, fiber, minerals, and polyphenols. Supplying ready-to-eat pomegranate can be a beneficial technique to increase consumption with regard to its nutritional properties. However, maintaining nutritional quality and preventing microbial spoilage is a major challenge. Fruit quality is lost with visible symptoms such as weight loss, shriveling, husk scald, chilling injury, fungal rot, aril color degradation, and off-flavor during long-term storage. Therefore, it is very important to use appropriate strategies to maintain pomegranate whole fruit and aril quality. Gases around the product create a suitable environment for oxidative reactions and aerobic microorganism growth. Therefore, changing the atmosphere around the product can help maintain its quality. One of the effective methods to increase the postharvest life of products is to use modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), which reduces microbial spoilage and chilling injury, preserves the quality, and extends the shelf life by reducing the respiration rate. Modified atmosphere packaging, which uses natural atmospheric components (O2, CO2 and N2), has been widely accepted due to the lack of toxic residues on the product. This review discusses on recent research in terms of MAP application on quality properties and postharvest life of pomegranate fruit and arils during storage.

Pomological and Biochemical Characteristics of Local Pomegranate Genotypes of Kahta (Adıyaman) Region

In the study carried out to determine the pomological characteristics of local pomegranate genotypes grown in Kahta district center and Bostanli, Eceler, Balli, Kilisk, Sarica, and Narince villages of Adıyaman province, one orchard belonging to a grower in each region and 1 genotype in each orchard were determined. 10 fruits in each genotype were harvested, and pomological measurements and biochemical analyses were performed. The largest fruit was obtained with the Sarıca genotype and Narince was the genotype with the smallest fruit. In genotypes, the fruit weight was between 196.300-328.909 g, the fruit length 61.528-72.801 mm, and the fruit width between 73.047-86.613 mm. Total aril weight was between 94.144-203.567 g and the fruit volume was between 188.333-327.000. The Sarıca genotype had the highest juice volume and the lowest juice ratio was recorded in the Eceler genotype. Calyx length was longer in the Sarıca genotype and the highest values in terms of calyx radius were recorded with the Kilisk genotype. The Eceler genotype had thicker shells and the Narince genotype had thinner shells. The number of chambers in the genotypes was between 5 and 6. There were significant differences between genotypes in terms of fruit skin and aril color. The soluble solids content (SSC) in genotypes was determined between 12.011-17.267, pH was 3.583-4.073 and total acidity (TA) was 0.736-1.489%. Phenolic compounds such as protocatechuic acid, rutin, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, ferulic acid, floridzin, vanillic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, catechin, caffeic acid, syringic acid, and p-coumaric acid were detected in pomegranate fruit, and rutin was phenolic compound with the highest concentration.

Siirt İlinde Yetiştirilen Zivzik ve Pervari Nar Genotiplerinin Pomolojik ve Fizikokimyasal Özellliklerinin Karakterizasyonu

Commercial pomegranate cultivation in Siirt province is concentrated in Şirvan and Pervari districts. Although Zivzik pomegranate variety is a registered pomegranate variety, it is not well known outside the region where it is grown (Zivzik, Sarıdana, Kapılı and Pirinçli villages). Pervari pomegranate is grown in the regions between Bitlis stream, Hizan and Pervari. In this study, pomological and physicochemical characteristics of different sized fruits of Zivzik (n=8) and Pervari (n=10) pomegranate genotypes collected from different locations in Siirt province were investigated. The pomological characteristics examined were fruit weight, aril yield, 100 aril weight, fruit width-length, aril width-length, rind (peel) skin and aril colour, juice yield, juice density and colour. The physicochemical properties analysed were total soluble solids, total acid, pH, ascorbic acid, total sugar, reducing sugar, total phenolic substance, anthocyanin, antioxidant capacity (DPPH), moisture and ash content. It was found that the most abundant organic acid in Zivzik and Pervari pomegranates was citric acid (3.34-4.67 g/L) and malic acid was found more in Zivzik pomegranate (1.76 g/L). Zivzik pomegranate was found to be richer in terms of the amount of phenolic compounds. Quercetin and caffeic acid are the most abundant phenolic compounds in the fruit of both varieties.

Chilling injury control in pomegranate fruit with compostable stretchable skin film

The use of stretch films as a second skin over fruits is a common technological solution to prevent their deterioration during postharvest storage. However, these films pose an environmental problem, and the management of this waste is a challenge. To address this issue, a new biodegradable polymer composed of a blend of butylene adipate-co-terephthalate and polylactic acid (PBAT-PLA) called Nature Fresh® has been developed to produce stretch films suitable for post-harvest use without environmental concerns. Pomegranate is a fruit that is highly sensitive to Chilling Injury (CI) at temperatures below 5 °C. To evaluate the suitability of Nature Fresh® film for pomegranate packaging, two cultivars with different sensitivity to CI, 'Bigful' and 'Mollar de Elche', were wrapped with the film and stored for 56 days at 2 °C plus 2 days at 20 °C. Control groups included fruits without film and fruits wrapped with stretch film made of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), which is commonly used in post-harvest storage. Pomegranates packed in PBAT-PLA and LLDPE films showed similar evolution in the appearance of internal and external husk CI, respiration rate, ion leakage, total polyphenol, and anthocyanin content, these parameters being lower than in control fruit. However, due to differences in water vapor and gas permeability between the two films, weight loss and firmness reduction were significantly higher in pomegranates wrapped in PBAT-PLA compared to LLDPE, but this did not impact any detrimental effect on overall appearance. Internal CI was significantly (P < 0.001) positively correlated with fruit respiration rate, ion leakage, weight loss, total polyphenol, and anthocyanin content; while it was negatively correlated with fruit firmness, skin and aril color, soluble solids, acidity, and maturity index. In summary, the use of PBAT-PLA film presents a feasible substitution to LLDPE on maintaining the quality of pomegranates during post-harvest storage, while also aligning with worldwide initiatives aimed at decreasing plastic waste.

Determination of LD50 dose for ethyl methane sulphonate induced mutagenesis in Bhagwa Pomegranate

Mutation breeding utilizes both chemical and physical mutagens for inducing variability among existing genotypes. In mutation breeding, the estimation of LD50 is the initial step to finding the optimal dose to determine the best dose to produce a better revival of mutants with little population diminution. Pomegranate is a valued fruit and has immense nutraceutical and pharmaceutical properties. Its hardy nature, low maintenance, wider adaptability, high yield with better keeping quality, and better remuneration make it the choicest fruit to be grown in non-traditional areas in Uttarakhand. Pomegranate cv. Bhagwa is a high yielding variety, soft seeded, and have attractive aril colour. In the current experiment, mutagenesis was performed on hardwood cuttings of ‘Bhagwa’ pomegranate using alkylating agent Ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS). A total of 7 different treatments ranging from 25 mM to 150 mM were tested against control for their efficiency in mutant generation. The results revealed that there is a gradual decrease in the survival percentage of cuttings with increasing doses of mutagenic treatments. Based on the survival percentage of the treated cuttings, the probit curve analysis determined that the LD50 dosage of EMS for hardwood cuttings for Bhagwa pomegranate was 51.82 mM. Furthermore, reduction in chlorophyll content was observed with the application of higher doses of EMS.

Assessment of pollen morphology and hybridization in pomegranate (Punica granatum)

Pollen studies act as a prerequisite for choosing a compatible pollen parent and help plant breeders to achieve successful crossing between different cultivars. An experiment was conducted during 2018–19 at Fruit Research Farm of Regional Horticulture Research and Training Station Bajaura, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh to evaluate 8 commercial genetically distant pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars (Chawla, Nabha, P-26, Kandhari Kabuli, G-137, Jodhpur Red, Mridula and Bhagwa) for pollen morphology (shape and size) and viability. Hybridization studies were also carried out to assess the role of cross pollination in fruit set to infuse blood red aril colour and soft seededness in the selected cultivars. The compatibility behaviour was studied by using different cross combinations of cultivars followed by recording their fruit set percentage. It could help breeders understand the performance of cultivars as pollinizers which would ultimately help them in hybridization programs. Pollen viability of the pomegranate germplasm was determined using 2% acetocarmine. Highest pollen viability was recorded in Bhagwa (94.29%) followed by Chawla (91.21%). In hybridization studies, highest fruit set per cent among 16 crosses was observed in Mridula × P-26 (77.80%). The differences in fruit set percentage could be due to varied degree of compatibility between different genotypes, behaviour of pollen with respect to viability percentage, differences in growth rate of pollen tube and might also be due to differences in temperature during bloom period.

Effect of chitosan‐based melatonin composite coating on the quality of minimally processed pomegranate aril‐sacs during cold storage

AbstractThe current study evaluated the potential of chitosan‐based melatonin (CH‐MT) composite coating to maintain quality and delay senescence of minimally processed pomegranate aril‐sacs during refrigerated storage. Mature pomegranate fruit (cv. Wonderful) without physical defects were processed into aril‐sacs. Subsequently, the following treatments were applied; distilled water (control), CH 0.5% (w/v), CH+0.1 mM MT, CH+0.4 mM MT, CH+0.8 mM MT, and CH+1 mM MT. Each treatment was applied by immersing the aril‐sacs in the coating solution for 3 min and allowed to dry at room temperature. Aril‐sacs were then packed in polyethene terephthalate punnets (three to four aril‐sacs/punnet) and stored at 5°C and 85% RH for 21 days. Aril color, weight loss, respiration rate, ascorbic acid content, total anthocyanins, browning index, and antioxidant capacity were monitored during storage at 3 days intervals. The study results showed that the CH‐MT coating treatments significantly (p &lt; 0.05) delayed the increase in aril‐sacs weight loss and respiration rate. These treatments also retained higher aril chroma, ascorbic acid, anthocyanin content, DPPH‐radical scavenging activity, and aril‐sacs antioxidant power (FRAP). In addition, surface browning development was significantly suppressed in the coated aril‐sacs compared with control sacs. However, the effectiveness of CH‐MT treatments in maintaining the quality of aril‐sacs was concentration‐dependent, with CH+0.8–1 mM MT treatments showing the best results. Therefore, CH+0.8–1 mM MT treatments are recommended to suppress the development of physiological disorders and maintain the quality of minimally processed pomegranate aril‐sacs.Novelty Impact StatementThis study focuses on the development and application of chitosan‐melatonin composite coating (CH‐MT) as an active and functional formulation to maintain quality and extend the storage life of minimally processed pomegranate aril‐sacs. The results showed that incorporating melatonin with chitosan improved the effectiveness of chitosan base coating. This was demonstrated by the CH‐MT coating's enhanced retention of ascorbic acid, anthocyanins, radical scavenging activity, and antioxidant power. Further, delaying the increase in aril‐sacs surface browning, weight loss, and respiration rate. The study findings are valuable in the commercial adoption of safe preservation technologies to maintain the quality and maximize the storability of minimally processed products.

Uses of Plant Growth Regulators and Biofertilizers in Fruit Crops: A Review

Plant growth regulators are extremely important natural hormones which control the growth and the physiological factors within the plant. They are naturally occurring as well as synthetic. PGRs like Auxins, ethylene, cytokinins and gibberellins are the growth inhibitors and growth retardants. The foliar application of plant growth regulators helped in increasing the quality of the fruit crops. Auxin is required for fruit retention in sweet cherry, litchi, grapevine, snake fruit and tomato. Most commonly used auxins are IBA, NAA, IAA, 2,4D etc. IBA at the concentration of 4000 ppm is the best plant growth regulator for rooting in cuttings. Gibberellins (GA) are diterpene plant hormones that influence various aspects of growth and development through complex biosynthetic processes. Application of GA with combination of Zinc and pruning showed better performance in fruit weight, ascorbic acid, and reduction in pre-harvest fruit drop. Repeated applications of brassinosteroid have a long-lasting effect on strawberry cv. Winter Dawn physiological growth. Triacontanol (TRIA), natural plant growth hormone in fruit crops. It regulates a variety of physiological processes in plants. Salicylic acid (SA) is a plant hormone best recognized for modulating host responses in response to pathogen infection.SA treatments boosted crop productivity and fruit quality criteria such as firmness, aril color, and individual sugar and organic acid concentrations at harvest. It is revealed by many studies that the application of biofertilizer play an essential role for increasing the sustainability of the soil and also enhance the organic matter content, aeration, fertility, availability of micro and macronutrients with in the soil which are the essential things for the better survival of the plant and results into the good quality and higher yield from the plant. The present review encompasses the use and the effect of different PGR’s and biofertilizer on the fruit crops.

Postharvest quality responses of pomegranate fruit (cv. Shishe-kab) to ethanol, sodium bicarbonate dips and modified atmosphere packaging

Pomegranate fruit is very popular due to its high commercial importance and health benefits. This experiment aimed to evaluate the sensory quality, color, and biochemical properties (TSS, TA, TSS/TA, anthocyanin content and total antioxidant capacity) of pomegranate fruit under post-harvest treatments, included ethanol (EtOH), sodium bicarbonate (SBC), and different packaging. Experimental treatments included: 10% (v/v) EtOH, 1% (w/v) SBC, and the type of packaging (passive-MAP and vacuum). Fruit were then stored at 5±1°C and 90% relative humidity for ten weeks. The peel and aril color evaluations indicate that EtOH treatment and vacuum packaging (VP) improved the quality of pomegranate color by increasing a* and decreasing L*. These treatments made the skin color and aril color lighter and redder in pomegranate. In addition, the treatments reduced decay and maintained total soluble solids (TSS), and titratable acidity (TA). Interestingly, EtOH treatment improved fruit nutritional quality as it increased total antioxidant capacity and anthocyanin content by 20% and 50%, respectively, compared to the control. The sensory analysis indicated that treated fruit with EtOH and VP scored higher in taste, color, texture, and appearance, and showed the best acceptability from the panelists’ viewpoint. In conclusion, EtOH and VP significantly improved pomegranate fruit quality during cold storage since preserved sensorial quality and bioactive compounds and reduced decay.

Timing and Rate of Foliar Potassium Application to Improve Yield, Fruit Size and Quality Attributes of Pomegranate: Based on Data Generated in Field Experiments Conducted in Iran and Egypt

ABSTRACT It is proven that potassium (K) plays a key regulatory role in many physiological processes of plant growth and that K fertilization can improve the yield and quality attributes in fruit crops. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of timing and various concentrations of foliar sprays of potassium sulfate, during fruit growth and maturation, on yield and quality of pomegranate fruit in Iran and Egypt, which have different pomegranate production systems. In Iran one, two or three sprays of 1% or 2% K-Leaf® (a high grade foliar potash booster) was used, and in Egypt a single spray of either 10 or 20 kg/ha, and two sprays of 10 and 20 kg/ha K-Leaf® were applied. Results showed that in both experiments in Iran and Egypt, foliar K treatments increased total and marketable yield of pomegranates, as well as fruit weight and size, flavor index (the ratio of total soluble solids/total acid). The treatments also improved the fruit’s peel and aril color compared to the non-treated control plants. Results also demonstrated that multiple potassium sprays (two or three applications) were more effective than applying higher concentrations; as in many cases, there were no significant differences between 1 and 2% concentrations of K fertilizer in treatments with same number of applications (one, two or three sprays). Although three sprays of 2% K-Leaf® were the most effective treatments, it can be concluded that three sprays of 1% K-Leaf®) is probably more economically sound for use in pomegranate orchards.

Fruit Morphology of Durio zibethinus L. in Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Background: Jelebu is one of Negeri Sembilan districts of Malaysia, famous for its wide variety of D. zibethinus. It is also recognized as the top hotspot area for consumers looking for genuine Durian Kampung. This study aimed at discovering and recording significant morphological data in identification and classification of D. zibethinus fruit in Jelebu. Methods: Fifty-three accessions of durian were observed from January 2020 to September 2020 in accordance with Malaysia’s Department of Agriculture guidelines. Result: Forty-one parameters were compiled and divided into two primary morphological data sets: external and internal structures. Size, shape, color and aril characteristics of fruits were several engrossing parameters for identifying and classifying D. zibethinus varieties. Fruit weight varies between 665 g and 2.7 kg, depending on size. The results also revealed six different variants in the fruit shape and color. Aril characteristics included a variety of aril color and thickness ranging from 0.23 cm to 1.17 cm. Therefore, this research revealed that external and internal morphological data from durian fruits were valuable for recognizing and categorizing D. zibethinus Jelebu variants.

Amplification rate of matK and rbcL genes in three types of durian

Durian is a tropic fruit having numerous variations on its fruits. Its variations are not only in its shape but also in its aril fruit, aril color, flavor, and aril thickness. In addition to its fruit variations, the genus Durio also has many species which quite hard to distinguish morphologically, except during flowering and fruiting times. This study aimed to determine the genetic relationship among Durian, Pelangi Atuturi Variety Durian, Durio graveolent, and Durio zibetinus based on chloroplast genes (RbcL and matK genes). The primers were previously designed for amplifying matK and rbcL genes based on the Durio zibethinus sequence. Both genes were used because of having great competence to describe genetic relationships between plant species. The rbcL primer could amplify all evaluated samples. Meanwhile, matK primer generated a smeared band in Durian Pelangi; thus, we did not obtain any sequence of this plant. Sequence analysis showed no variation of rbcL sequence in these evaluated species. A similar result was also observed on D. zibethinus and D. graveolent. Overall, both genes could not describe the genetic relationship among the evaluated durians, and they were grouped in the same cluster in phylogenetic.

Identification of the superior genotypes of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) using morphological and fruit characters.

Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) fruits can be used for fresh consumption, industrial processing, and medicinal purposes. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the diversity of its different genotypes to be aware of their potential. In the present study, morphological and pomological diversity of 70 native pomegranate genotypes was evaluated to introduce superior selections. Most of the characters showed significant differences among the genotypes. Fruit weight ranged from 103.28 to 407.59 g, and total aril weight per fruit ranged from 51.55 to 238.97 g. Fruit peel color was highly variable and included yellow, yellow‐red, red, and red‐brown. The sunburn and cracking disorders were not observed on the peel of the majority of genotypes. Aril color was highly variable, including light milky, pink, white‐red, red, and red‐black. Seed was soft in 17, semi‐soft in 21, and hard in 32 genotypes. Total aril weight per fruit was positively and significantly correlated with fruit length (r = 0.64), fruit diameter (r = 0.87), fruit weight (r = 0.95), fruit stalk diameter (r = 0.52), fruit peel weight (r = 0.71), and aril shape (r = 0.32). Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the fruit‐related traits were important for determining differences between genotypes. Based on the ideal values of commercial characters of pomegranate, 15 genotypes were promising and thus could be directly cultivated in the orchards and used in the breeding programs.

Fruit Quality Traits and Genotypic Characterization in a Pomegranate Ex Situ (Punica granatum L.) Collection in Greece

Pomegranate is one of the oldest known fruit crops, well adapted to hot and dry areas and successfully grown in Mediterranean countries. During the last two decades, numerous publications have revealed the traditionally known associations between pomegranate consumption and health benefits, which led to increased demand by consumers and expansion in cultivation areas. Pomegranate is well adapted to areas with diverse pedoclimatic conditions and local cultivars could provide an essential source of genes for breeding. In this study, fruit phenotypic and genetic variability, and relationships, were studied in 26 Greek and foreign pomegranate cultivars/accessions grown in an ex situ collection located in Naoussa Greece, using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) and Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) molecular markers. Results from the principal component analysis made on fruit phenotypic characters revealed five components that accounted for 74.8% of the total variance, the first being related to skin color parameters and the second to juice antioxidant contents and aril color. Clustering from phenotypic data allocated individuals into four clusters. A total of 184 bands were generated for all markers applied across the 26 pomegranate cultivars/accessions, with an average of 77 bands per ISSR markers and 82 bands for SCoT markers. Low variability in the phenotypic and genotypic level was indicated; nevertheless, results from the association study between phenotypic traits and molecular markers that were obtained using Multiple Regression Analysis (MRA) could prove valuable for marker-assisted breeding programs, especially from SCoT markers that were found to be strongly or averagely associated with the morphological traits and chemical components.

Developmental Changes in Ripeness Indexes and Physico-Chemical Properties of Pomegranate Fruit During Maturity On Tree

Pomegranate acceptability by consumers and processors depends on basically on a combination of several quality attributes such as shape and size (geometrical properties), fruit mass and aril yield (gravimetrical properties), rind and aril color, sugar content, acidity and flavour. This study was conducted to investigate the physical properties (geometrical and gravimetrical properties) and some chemical properties pomegranate fruit and their arils as well as aril colour attributes at four distinct maturity stages between 88 and 143 days after full bloom (DAFB). Chemical properties such as pH, total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), dry weight content (DW) of fruit and aril were studied. Significant (P < 0.05) increase in geometrical properties (except sphericity), some gravimetrical properties (fruit mass, true volume of fruit and aril, arils mass in fruit and bulk density of aril), total soluble solids (TSS), pH and dry weight content of fruit, coupled with significant (P < 0.05) decline in true density of fruit and aril, aril porosity and titratable acidity (TA) as well as dry weight content of aril was observed along the days after full bloom (DAFB). The results also showed that differences at a 5% level of significance were found among the developmental stages in the colour of arils. Furthermore, pearson correlation was used to investigate the relationship between selected attribute associated fruit maturity of the pomegranate cultivar. Interesting significantly strong correlations were observed.

Postharvest Salicylic Acid Treatment Influences Some Quality Attributes in Air-Stored Pomegranate Fruit

Popularity of pomegranate fruit has increased in recent years because of its health benefit content, economic value and medicinal characteristics. Since pomegranate fruit is perishable species, prolonging storage life, keeping fruit quality during storage and marketing period with minimum quality and quantity loss after harvest are essential. Influence of salicylic acid treatments on some quality properties in ‘Hicaznar’ cultivar fruit were investigated in the current study. After harvest at commercial maturity, fruit were exposed to salicylic acid (SA) treatments. Controls (C1) were untreated. The other groups were dipped into a solution containing 0.01% Tween 20 (C2), 0.01% Tween 20+2 mM SA (SA1), and 0.01% Tween 20+4 mM SA (SA2). Then fruit were stored at 5±1 °C temperature, 85-90% relative humidity for 120 days. Changes in fruit skin and aril color, soluble solids content, titratable acidity, weight loss and chilling injury rate total phenolic content, antioxidant activity were followed at 60 days intervals. Neither SA1 nor SA2 affected total phenolic content and antioxidant activity levels of fruit. But, both treatments helped to maintain C* values in arils and skin, titratable acidity and soluble solids content. Since SA2 treatment significantly reduced chilling injury symptoms during cold storage period of 120 days, it could be considered as promising postharvest technology.

Chemical and physical attributes of fruit juice and peel of pomegranate genotypes grown in Florida, USA

The global demand for pomegranate has led to increasing research and improvement of cultivars that produce higher antioxidant compounds. The current study was carried out to evaluate the bioactive constituents and physical properties of fourteen pomegranate genotypes grown in the subtropical region of Florida. There were differences in aril color among genotypes. The highest total anthocyanin content was found in ‘Ariana’, ‘Molla Nepes’, and ‘Parfianka’ genotypes. Furthermore, total anthocyanin content in peel ranged from 2.14 to 10.86 mg/100 g dry weight. Total phenolic content in the pomegranate fruit juice differed significantly among genotypes, varying from 365.71 to 1167.40 mg/L. Moreover, total phenolic content in the fruit peel ranged from 1313.08 to 1700.07 mg/L. Total phenolic compounds and reducing power activity in peel tissues were greater than in pomegranate juice. Reducing power activity and titratable acidity were positively and significantly correlated with total anthocyanin content.