Plant Productions

Foliar application of silica and potassium sulphate on some characteristics of pomegranate fruit cv. ‘Malase-Saveh’

Farzad Abdollahi; Abdolkarim Zarei; Javad Erfani-Moghadam; Mahmood Rostaminia

Volume 47, Issue 2 , August 2024, , Pages 309-321

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2024.46385.2150

Abstract

IntroductionPomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a fruit-bearing species with a long history of cultivation in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Pomegranate production ... Read More IntroductionPomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a fruit-bearing species with a long history of cultivation in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Pomegranate production in Iran, as the main pomegranate producer in the world, is faced with different challenges. Fruit cracking is one of the serious disorders in pomegranate that cause significant reduction in the quality of fruit and subsequent economic damages to the pomegranate producers annually. Fruit cracking can be controlled to some extent by appropriate orchard management. Proper orchard fertilization is among the influential cases that can lead to the improvement in the physiological state of trees in favor of reducing the fruit cracking. Materials and methods In this study, the effects of silicon and potassium sulfate spraying were investigated on the fruit cracking and some quantitative and qualitative characteristics of pomegranate fruit. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the combined effects of four levels of silica (0, 100, 300, and 500 ppm) and three levels of potassium sulfate (0, 0.75%, and 1.5%) spraying on the fruit of pomegranate cv. ‘Malase-Saveh’, one of the most important pomegranate varieties of Iran. The treatments were applied three times during the growing season. The experiment was arranged in a factorial experiment based on the completely randomized block design in three replicates. Data analysis was performed using SAS statistical software and the means were compared using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at 5% level of significance. Results and DiscussionThe results indicated that most of the qualitative and quantitative traits were influenced by foliar spraying of these substances. Also, the results indicated that foliar application of silica, potassium sulfate, and their interaction significantly affected the fruit cracking. According to the results, the lowest fruit cracking (2.64%) was obtained by spraying 500 ppm silica and 0.75% potassium sulfate, while the highest fruit cracking (27.87%) was recorded from control plants. The highest fruit weight (204 g) was recorded in the treatment of 1.5% potassium sulfate and the lowest fruit weight (144 g) was recorded from untreated plants. Most of the treatments had a positive effect on fruit and aril weight and increased this character compared to the control. Spraying with 500 ppm silica and 1.5% potassium sulfate resulted in the highest (39.69 g) 100 arils weight, while control plants had the lowest (29.14) 100 arils weight. Silica and potassium sulfate treatment also improve the total soluble solid and titratable acidity in the fruit juice of pomegranate. ConclusionThe data obtained from this study could provide valuable insights into the effects of proper fertilization in reducing one of the main pomegranate disorders. Overall, the results indicated that combined spraying of silica (500 ppm) with potassium sulfate (1.5%) is more effective than their individual use and results in the higher fruit yield and quality, as well as a lower cracking disorder. These findings suggest that there are synergistic effects between these compounds. According to the results of this investigation simultaneous application of silica and potassium is suggested as a practical strategy in orchard management practices that could be beneficial for improving qualitative and quantitative attributes of pomegranate fruit.

Effect of Carnuba Wax on Sensory and Nutritional Quality of Pomegranate "Malas-e-Saveh" Fruit during Cold Storage

Fatemeh Nazoori; Seyed Hossein Mirdehghan; Arezoo Rafie

Volume 44, Issue 1 , June 2021, , Pages 51-64

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2019.27028.1647

Abstract

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is one of the most important fruits grown on a commercial scale in Iran. It has gained popularity worldwide due to ... Read More AbstractBackground and ObjectivesPomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is one of the most important fruits grown on a commercial scale in Iran. It has gained popularity worldwide due to its high economic, nutraceutical, and therapeutic values. Chilling injury and weight loss are the most important limiting factors for pomegranate fruit storage. Application of an edible coating such as carnuba wax on the fruit surface imparts a glossy appearance and better color, reduces fruit weight loss, extends storage life, and prevents microbial spoilage, which is extremely important to perishable fruit. Edible coatings create a modiﬁed atmosphere around the fruit by providing a semipermeable barrier to water vapor and gases, and their use offers an effective alternative to ﬁlm packaging due to their environmentally friendly characteristic. Material and MethodsThe present study conducted a factorial design based on completely randomized design with four replications to evaluate the effect of carnuba wax on pomegranate fruit storage. The treatments included carnuba wax in three concentrations 0, 0.5%, and 1%, and storage time in 3 levels (0, 45, and 90 days). After immersion and drying, the fruits were packed in plastic baskets and kept in a cold room at 4 ± 1 °C with 85 ± 5% of relative humidity. In each sampling removal, quantitative and qualitative characteristics such as weight loss (%), electrolyte leakage (percentage), chilling index, tissue firmness, total acidity, pH, color indices (aril and skin), fruit flavor, anthocyanin, skin freshness, and overall fruit acceptance were examined. ResultsThe results showed that carnuba wax prevented weight loss until the end of the storage period (90 days) but controlled ion leakage until 45 days of storage. The skin firmness of fruits and arils was higher in carnuba than in control samples. Increasing the concentration of carnuba wax resulted in lowering vitamin C but did not affect the antioxidant capacity. According to the panelists', the flavor, skin freshness, and pomegranate fruits' appearance in both carnuba treatments were better than the control samples. DiscussionThe results of this study showed that carnuba-coated fruit has protective quantitative and qualitative characteristics during cold storage. Moreover, exogenous application of carnauba wax showed improvement in pomegranate storability at 4 °C, which otherwise leads to chilling injury and reduction in quality. The treatment with carnauba wax preserves fruit weight, total acidity, and skin freshness. Pomegranate carnuba-coated fruit exhibited a signiﬁcantly lower chilling rate as compared to the control samples. According to the results, carnuba 0.5% maintained most qualitative and quantitative properties of pomegranate fruit until 90 days at 4°C.

Improving Quality and Antioxidant Characteristics of Pulp and Peel of Citrus During Storage by Pre-Harvest Spray of Calcium Chloride on Fruit

Javad Fatahi Moghadam; Abuzar Hashempour; Reza Fifaei

Volume 42, Issue 1 , April 2019, , Pages 1-12

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2019.22511.1484

Abstract

Abstract Background and Objectives Calcium is a key plant nutrient with significant functions including reducing fruit senescence; calcium deficiency has been involved in several ... Read More Abstract Background and Objectives Calcium is a key plant nutrient with significant functions including reducing fruit senescence; calcium deficiency has been involved in several physiological disorders in fruits. Pre-harvest foliar application of calcium chloride (CaCl2) is an efficient and safe strategy to maintain or improve the fruit quality during storage. Also, calcium significantly increases the membrane and cell wall density and reduces the physiological disorders of the fruit. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pre-harvest CaCl2 sprays of citrus trees at three fruit development stages on improving fruit quality and antioxidant capacity during storage. Materials and Methods To conduct this research, citrus trees of three different varieties (‘Thomson’, ‘Moro’ and ‘Page’) were sprayed with different concentrations of CaCl2 (0, 1, 2 and 4%) at three fruit development stages (120, 140 and 160 days after full bloom). After harvesting, citrus fruits were stored at 5°C and 85% relative humidity for 60 days. Then, weight loss and juice percentage, total carotenoids, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity, and total antioxidant capacity (IC50 content) of the fruits peel and pulp were determined on 0 (harvesting time), 30 and 60 days. Data were analyzed using SAS (Ver.9.1) and significance of the differences between the means was computed using Tukey test. Results Results showed that weight loss percentage in fruit treated with CaCl2 (especially in 2 and 4% treatments) of all three cultivars was significantly less than control during storage. Total carotenoid of pulp of Thomson and Moro cultivars increased with increasing of CaCl2 concentrations compared to control during storage. In Page mandarin, the carotenoid content of pulp was not affected by calcium chloride treatment. Results also showed that SOD activity in peel and pulp of treated fruits was higher than control at harvest time. At the time of harvesting, the peel APX activity of Thomson and Moro cultivars (control) was higher than those treated by calcium. Antioxidant capacity (based on IC50 content) of peel and pulp varied depending on the cultivar and the treatment. That is, the highest antioxidant capacity was determined in ‘Thomson’ at harvest time and in treated fruits with high level of CaCl2. Discussion In the present study, the CaCl2 pre-treatment was sprayed on the citrus trees and the results indicated that pre-harvest calcium chloride significantly decreases weight loss percentage and increases antioxidant capacity, SOD activity and total carotenoid contents in citrus fruits during storage. It seems that the accessibility of sufficient CaCl2 during plant growth has a strong influence on concentrations of bioactive compounds and overall antioxidant properties of citrus fruits. Overall, it is suggested that an appropriate CaCl2 pre-treatment of citrus tree can help improve or maintain pulp and peel quality during storage. It is further suggested, using chlorine-free calcium sources in southern Iran with alkaline soils.

Effect of postharvest treatment of gamma-amino butyric acid on some biochemical and antioxidant properties of sweet cherry cv. Tak Daneyeh Mashhad

H. Hassanpour; A. Bisti; S. Nojavan

Volume 41, Issue 2 , September 2018, , Pages 67-78

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2018.20300.1422

Abstract

Abstract Background and Objectives Sweet cherry fruit due to high water content and respiration rate is rotten in post-harvest period and hence has a short storage life. So, reducing ... Read More Abstract Background and Objectives Sweet cherry fruit due to high water content and respiration rate is rotten in post-harvest period and hence has a short storage life. So, reducing of respiration rate and delaying of senescence process are required for increasing of storage life. Gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) is a non-protein amino acid with low content in the cell in normal state. No study has taken into account the effect of GABA on the storage life of sweet cherry fruit and also, increasing of shelf life by natural compounds seems essential to maintain the quality. Therefore, this study was conducted with the aim of improving the post-harvest quality of sweet cherry fruit, increasing biochemical and antioxidant properties and improving fruit appearance using GABA with the purpose of replacing it with synthetic chemicals. Materials and Methods Fruits of sweet cherry cv. Tak Daneyeh Mashhad were harvested at commercial maturity from a commercial orchard in Urmia (Iran) and transported to laboratory immediately. GABA was used in three concentrations (5, 10 and 20 mM). Titration method was used for determination of Titratable acid (TA) and pH was determined by pH meter. TSS was determined by refractometer. Total antioxidant capacity was determined by ferric ions reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP). Total phenolic content was determined by Folin ciocalteu method and total flavonoid content was determined by the aluminum chloride colorimetric method. Results The results showed that TA content remains constant with treatment of GABA during storage. GABA treatment leads to an increase in total antioxidant activity, total phenol, total flavonoid and activity of catalase and guaiacol peroxidase enzymes in the treated fruits compared to control fruit after 30 days of storage. The pH value in treated fruits compared to untreated fruits was decreased during storage. Also, GABA at 10 mM level compared with other concentrations had the highest effect on total antioxidant capacity after 30 days of storage. Discussion The increasing of organic acids in treating fruits can be probably due to increasing of antioxidant capacity by GABA treatment, hence the damage to membrane was prevented and the organic acids were used less frequently. Treatment of fruits with GABA decreased the pH during storage, which may be due to its role in reducing of respiration rate in harvested fruits. The mechanism of the effect of GABA on increasing of total phenol and flavonoid content may be due to stimulating the production of Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) which can trigger phenylpropanoid pathway and hereby, syntheses of phenolic compounds such as flavonoids compounds were occurred. Catalase is one of the key enzymes to protect the cells and cause the conversion of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen. Therefore, probably the GABA treatment via the increasing the antioxidant system such as catalase leads to scavenge free radicals thereby protecting plants against oxidative stress.

The Effect of Salinity and Fruit Ripening Stage on Some Quantitative and Quantitative Characteristics of Tomato in Hydroponics

R. Azarmi; N. Chaparzadeh

Volume 41, Issue 2 , September 2018, , Pages 91-102

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2018.20715.1432

Abstract

Abstract Background and Objectives Tomato is one of the most important vegetable in Iran, not only because of its economics importance, but also for the nutritional value of its fruit, ... Read More Abstract Background and Objectives Tomato is one of the most important vegetable in Iran, not only because of its economics importance, but also for the nutritional value of its fruit, mainly due to the fact that they are an excellent source of natural colors and antioxidant compounds. Water quality and fruit maturity stage has a significant effect on tomato fruit quality. In the present research, we studied the response of tomato grown at different salinity levels, as well as the changes that take place during different maturity stages, in order to improve the management and harvesting of tomato and obtain fruit of a higher nutritional value. Materials and Methods In this study, to evaluate the effect ofsalinity and fruit ripening stage on physical, biochemical properties and shelf life of tomato fruits in hydroponics system, an experiment was carried out as factorial based on randomized complete block design with three replications at Moghan College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, during 2015. Fruits from plants grown under three saline treatments (2, 4 and 8 dS m-1) were harvested at three ripening states (mature green, purple and red colors). The nutrient solution was prepared based on full strength of Hoagland's solution containing: 5.6 mM Ca (NO3)2, 4 mM KNO3, 1 mM KH2PO4. Characteristics such as fruit fresh and dry weight, total soluble solid, firmness, flavor index, titratable acidity, soluble protein, ascorbate peroxidase activity and shelf life were measured. Results The results showed that total soluble solids, juice electrical conductivity and dry matter percentage of fruits significantly increased with increasing salinity in the nutrient solution and progressed the ripening stage, but fruit water content decreased by 9%. The highest weight (147.7 g) and volume of fruits (153 cm3) were obtained in plants grown under 2 dS m-1 salinity and fruits harvested at the purple stage. Titratable acidity increased with increasing of salinity in the nutrient solution, but its content decreased at the red color stage. Firm fruit with greater shelf life was observed under 2 dS m-1 salinity and at the mature green stage. Soluble protein content in fruit was increased by increasing salinity levels in the nutrient solution, especially at the ripening stage. The application of 4 dS m-1 salinity at mature green stage increased ascorbate peroxidase activity up to 62.5% compared to 8 dS m-1 salinity and red color fruits. Discussion These results suggest that the improvement in fruit quality induced by the salinity is achieved by some biochemical changes and the reduction of fruit water content. Increasing of salinity in the nutrient solution can be useful for improving fruit quality, especially, when fruit is harvested at the red stage. However, with increasing salinity in the nutrient solution up to 4 dS m-1 and fruit harvest in the red color stage fruits with better quality and more suitable weight can be produced.

Effects of Calcium Chloride Sprays to the Leaves and Fruits on Postharvest Physiological Characteristics of Papaya (Carica papaya L. cv. Eksotika II) Fruits

A. Mirshekari; B. Madani

Volume 40, Issue 3 , December 2017, , Pages 89-100

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2017.17673.1335

Abstract

Abstract Background and Objectives Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a tropical fruit crop. The ‘Eksotika II’ is high yielding cultivar with pleasant aroma, but fruits soften ... Read More Abstract Background and Objectives Papaya (Carica papaya L.) is a tropical fruit crop. The ‘Eksotika II’ is high yielding cultivar with pleasant aroma, but fruits soften quickly and lose their quality. Low calcium content causes low fruit quality and storage life. Foliar application of calcium on the fruit is significant to make the cell membrane integrity and cell wall firm and improve fruit quality. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of calcium chloride foliar application on postharvest quality of papaya fruits. Materials and methods In order to evaluate the effect of calcium chloride (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2) on leaves, fruits and leaves + fruits of papaya, a factorial experiment based on RCBD was conducted in 2012. Calcium chloride was sprayed starting 21 days after flower anthesis and continued every two weeks for six times. Fruits were stored at 12±1 ̊C and RH=85-90% after harvest. The calcium and magnesium, respiration rate and ethylene, firmness, titratable acidity (TA), soluble solids concentration (SSC) and quality were determined 21 days after storage. Results The highest calcium content in fruits was observed with fruits and fruits + leaves sprayed treatments, while the lowest was recorded on leaves sprayed. Magnesium in peel and pulp of fruits that sprayed on fruits or fruits + leaves was lowest, while the highest was observed in leaves sprayed. Decreased in respiration rate and ethylene production were observed in fruits sprayed on fruits and fruits + leaves. The SSC was lowest in fruits + leaves treatment. Inverse results were recorded for TA. Moreover, calcium content in the peel and pulp, TA and overall quality increased when calcium chloride concentration in fruits and fruits + leaves treatments increased, While there was no effect on calcium content when applied to the leaves, but it increased TA. Discussion Results of this study showed that calcium could not transfer from leaf to fruit and vice versa in papaya. Since calcium moves in the transpiration stream, little or no subsequent translocation occurs from leaf to fruit. Unchanged ethylene production and respiration rate when calcium was applied to the leaves might be related to the immobility of calcium. Calcium was considered as a binding agent between cell walls which result in higher fruit firmness. Calcium is hypothesized to delay ripening by reducing disintegration of tissues and maintaining membrane integrity. The positive correlation might be related to magnesium and malate in fruits and malate might not be used in the process of respiration and thus increase in TA. The effect of calcium in decreasing SSC in fruits is possibly due to the decreasing respiration rate and metabolism activity that postpones ripening process.

Effect of Rosemary and Artemisia Essential Oil on Decay Control and Quality Characters of Mango Fruit During Storage

A. Golestani; S. Rastegar Rastegar

Volume 40, Issue 2 , September 2017, , Pages 53-62

https://doi.org/10.22055/ppd.2017.13118

Abstract

Background and Objectives Postharvest diseases are one of the major causes of storage losses of mango. The incidence of postharvest diseases can affect the quality and limits the shelf ... Read More Background and Objectives Postharvest diseases are one of the major causes of storage losses of mango. The incidence of postharvest diseases can affect the quality and limits the shelf life of the horticultural fresh products. Generally, there is a great interest in using essential oils (EOs) as biological control to increasing shelf life of fruits. Mango is one of the most important tropical fruits. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo effectiveness of Artemisia persica and Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils against Aspergillus niger, which are one of the most important postharvest diseases of mango. Material and Methods Inoculation of artificial fungal was done at room temperature. One day after inoculation, fruits were treated with different concentrations of EOs. The fruits were placed into boxes and kept in 25°C for three weeks. Then decay, weight loss, firmness, ascorbic acid and values of surface color were determined during storage. Fruits surface color was measured using a chromameter (CR 400, Minolta) which provided (CIE L*, a*, and b*). Firmness values were measured by using a texture analyzer. Results Results showed that all treatments had significant effects in preventing fruits decay during storage. Rosemary essential oil at low concentration (500 μl/l) (13.3%) significantly reduced deterioration of mango fruits, followed by Artemisa persica (1000 μl/l) (12%). Quality of fruits was also affected by essential oil. Fruit treated by Rosmarinus officinalis showed the highest firmness (3.7 kg/cm2) rather than other treatments. Different treatments showed more firmness rather than control and different concentrations of treatment did not show any significant difference. Discussions Modifications induced by EOs might be due to theirs components interactions with cell wall synthesis, which affects fungal growth and morphology. Moreover, the presence of an aromatic nucleus and one hydroxyl group is important for their antimicrobial activity. Some reported that efficacy of plant EOs depends on their composition

Evaluation of yield and fruit quality of hydroponically cultured greenhouse tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L., Cv. Synda ) under partial root zone drying (PRD) conditions

M. Mousavi rahimi; M. Delshad; A. Liaghat

Volume 37, Issue 3 , December 2014, , Pages 23-36

Abstract

Limitation of high quality water made it necessary to find suitable methods of irrigating management. Reduce of water waste, increase of yield and even controlled water stresses are ... Read More

Effect of Gibberellic acid treatment on storage life and quality indices of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) cv. Siah Mashhad

A. Sedighi; M. Gholami; H. Sarikhani; A. Ershadi

Volume 36, Issue 1 , June 2013, , Pages 51-61

Abstract

Fruit softening, shrinkage, decay and fruit stem browning are the most important problems in sweet cherry post-harvest storage. This research was conducted to study the effect of gibberellic ... Read More

The Effect of postharvest application of putrescine and UV-C irradiation on strawberry (Fragaria × ananasa cv. Selva) fruit quality

B. Siruie Nejad; S.M.H. Mortazavi; N. Moalemmi; S. Eshghi

Volume 36, Issue 1 , June 2013, , Pages 117-127

Abstract

Strawberry fruit due to the soft tissue and high metabolism has a short postharvest life. In this study, the effect of putrescine (1 and 2 mM) and UV-C irradiation at 0.72 KJ/m2 on ... Read More

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Keywords = Fruit quality

Foliar application of silica and potassium sulphate on some characteristics of pomegranate fruit cv. ‘Malase-Saveh’

Abstract

Effect of Carnuba Wax on Sensory and Nutritional Quality of Pomegranate "Malas-e-Saveh" Fruit during Cold Storage

Abstract

Improving Quality and Antioxidant Characteristics of Pulp and Peel of Citrus During Storage by Pre-Harvest Spray of Calcium Chloride on Fruit

Abstract

Effect of postharvest treatment of gamma-amino butyric acid on some biochemical and antioxidant properties of sweet cherry cv. Tak Daneyeh Mashhad

Abstract

The Effect of Salinity and Fruit Ripening Stage on Some Quantitative and Quantitative Characteristics of Tomato in Hydroponics

Abstract

Effects of Calcium Chloride Sprays to the Leaves and Fruits on Postharvest Physiological Characteristics of Papaya (Carica papaya L. cv. Eksotika II) Fruits

Abstract

Effect of Rosemary and Artemisia Essential Oil on Decay Control and Quality Characters of Mango Fruit During Storage

Abstract

Evaluation of yield and fruit quality of hydroponically cultured greenhouse tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L., Cv. Synda ) under partial root zone drying (PRD) conditions

Abstract

Effect of Gibberellic acid treatment on storage life and quality indices of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) cv. Siah Mashhad

Abstract

The Effect of postharvest application of putrescine and UV-C irradiation on strawberry (Fragaria × ananasa cv. Selva) fruit quality

Abstract