Effect of Kaolin Particle Film on the Fruit Yield and Quality of Three Pomegranate Cultivars

چکیده مقاله

A two-year field experiment (2021–2022) was conducted in Birjand, Iran, using a randomized block design with three pomegranate cultivars (‘Shisheh-Kab’, ‘Malas Saveh’, and ‘Malas Yazdi’) and three kaolin concentrations (0, 3, and 5%). Foliar application of kaolin particle film (KPF) significantly influenced fruit yield and quality traits. While kaolin increased fruit weight in ‘Shisheh--Kab’ and ‘Malas Saveh’ in the first year, a reduction was observed in the second year, reflecting cultivar × treatment interactions rather than a uniform main effect. The anthocyanin content improved under the kaolin treatments, with 5% KPF increasing the total anthocyanin concentration by approximately 25% compared with that of the control. The highest anthocyanin values were recorded in Malas Yazdi (228.6 mg L-1) and Malas Saveh (208.9 mg L-1), whereas Shisheh-Kab presented the lowest value (97 mg L-1) and a relatively high degree of aril paleness. Kaolin treatment also reduced peel weight and enhanced taste attributes, with titratable acidity (TA) being lowest in ‘Shisheh-Kab’ and highest in ‘Malas Yazdi’. Overall, kaolin particle film application improved fruit quality characteristics, although cultivar-specific responses were evident.