Studies on growth, development and storage of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Ganesh

Abstract

The investigations on (i) Pattern of growth and development to determine harvest maturity of Pomegranate fruit cv. Ganesh grown in two agro-climatic conditions viz., Bangalore & Bijapur (ii) determination of optimum glow temperature for storage for maximum shelf life(iii) the quality of the fruits stored at 8,15 and 25 ºC and (iv) the histological changes in the fruits during growth, development and storage were made. The salient findings were the fresh weight, length, breadth and volume of the fruit increased with growth of the fruit. The specific gravity of the fruit increased up to midgrowing period followed by a decline towards maturity. The rind weight increased with decrease in rind thickness. The maximum juice content of 122-165ml per fruit was observed at the harvesting period. There was a significant respiratory peak (113 mg CO2/kg/hr) a few days after fruit set followed by a decline at harvesting stage (47 mg/kg/hr). There was a decrease in acidity and increase in ascorbic acid, total soluble solid and sugars. The fruits reached harvest maturity after 105-110 days of fruit set having a specific gravity less than 1.0 bright greenish yellow to full yellow coloured rind with a shining waxy surface, opening of the calyx and deep red colour soft juicy arils. Histological changes during growth showed increased thickness of epidermis and cuticle. Size of the cells below the epidermis increased and starch grains started accumulating after 60 days of fruit set. During storage, lateral compression of cells in the rind of unwrapped fruits was observed resulting in desiccation of the fruit. There were significant differences in all the parameters studied during growth storage between the cv. Ganesh grown in two different agro-climatic conditions.