Application of kaolin on different chemical and physical properties of pomegranate

Abstract

Aril paleness and sunburn of fruits in pomegranate are important disorders that significantly reduce marketability. The present research conducted to evaluate the effects of kaolin on pomegranate fruit quality and arranged as factorial design based on completely randomized block including time of spraying (late May or early July) of kaolin (KP) and different levels of KP. Data showed that there was a negative correlation between aril potassium (K) content and peel K content with aril paleness disorder. KP significantly decreased fruit temperature, sunburn (SB) and aril paleness, but, K contents in aril and peel, fruit quality (total phenol and vitamin C) and total aril weight significantly improved. Application of kaolin in late May was more useful compared with early July. Conclusion: Regarding to data, it is concluded that application of kaolin on pomegranate trees grown under hot climate is very useful improving fruit marketability and decreasing aril paleness disorder.

Keywords:

• Paleness
• particle film
• potassium
• quality

Acknowledgements

It was always a pleasure coming to work every day with such lovely and engaging people. We have taken efforts in this project. However, it would not have been possible without the kind support and help of many individuals and organizations. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of them.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support of University of Birjand for this research under contract number 1396/D/19604.