Determination of the effects of calcium application and harvest maturity on pomegranates' physiological and pathological disorders and quality

This study aimed to determine that the effects of Ca application and harvest maturity on 'Hicaznar' pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) losses and quality changes during the storage. Ca applications to the pomegranate trees; a) Six times (once to the soil 50 g CaNO3/tree and 5 times to the leaves %0.035 CaO), b) two times ( to the leaves %0.035 CaO) and c) Unapplied (Control) were done in three different ways. Pomegranate fruits harvested in two different maturity periods (early and optimal). Pomegranate fruits were placed on modified atmosphere packaging, precooling was done and the packages were closed. Fruits were stored for 5 months in 6±0.5°C temperature and 90% relative humidity. Fruit peel browning of pomegranates had been checked periodically every 15 days; browning of the inner membrane, decay development, weight loss and gas combine for interior of MA package had been checked every 30 days. The quality changes were determined with the samples which were taken before the storage and after 3, 4, and 5 months storage. The results showed that, especially at 6 times Ca applicated and optimal harvested fruits weight and size increased, quality of fruits were protected during the storage and shelf life and physiological and pathological losses were decreased. The positive contrubition of Ca applications to the pomegranates were more significant after 5 months storage. Key words: Hicaznar, Ca application, harvest maturity, quality, storage.