Effect of pre-harvest photoselective net covers on photosynthesis, yield, fruit quality and storage of Hicaznarnar pomegranate cultivar

In this study, the effects of hail prevention and shading covers with different pigments, reflective materials and weaving technology produced with the approach of transferring technological developments used in textile and glass industries to agricultural production on photosynthesis, yield, quality and storage possibilities during the ripening period of pomegranate were investigated. As a result of this study, in the comparison of 4 different colored (Black, Pearl-White, Red and Yellow) net cover systems with the control on 'Hicaznar' pomegranate variety, it was determined that all cover systems had higher averages in terms of yield in both years. When the sunburn rate, sunburn severity scale value and cracking rates in fruits were compared, it was determined that the control group had a higher sunburn average compared to the other cover systems and that the burn severity of these rates was the highest. In terms of PAR, SPAD, PSII, PN, FSK examined in July, August and September, which are the fruit development period before harvest, it was seen that all cover systems had positive effects especially in August, which is one of the hottest months during the fruit development period, in terms of fruit peel temperature, net photosynthetic rate, SPAD and photosynthetic capacity. When the parameters used in determining the harvest time were examined; It was determined that fruit weight increased over time, fruit peel thickness increased as it approached the harvest, there were decreases in TEA amount and increases in TSS value. When the fruit quality parameters examined during the storage period were evaluated, it was seen that weight losses increased with the extension of the storage period. It was determined that TEA values of pomegranate fruits grown under net cover in different colors in both years were close to each other and were better than fruits grown in the open.