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.