The effect of two covering methods with waxed paper to inhibit chilling injury in Pomegranate  Malas-e-Saveh fruit during cold storage

One of the most important limiting factors for Pomegranate fruit storing is chilling stress. Visible symptoms include fruit husk browning and arils paleness. During the recent years some researches have been done to study and inhibit the phenomenon. In this research the efficacy of two fruit covering methods with waxed paper to inhibit chilling injury were compared with controls. Some of the fruits embedded in the paper strips and some others wrapped in the paper sheets. Uncovered fruits were as controls. Fruits were transferred to a cold storage with 5oC and 85% RH. Samplings were carried out in three weeks intervals for 12 weeks. Visual evaluations showed that fruits covering reduced husk browning significantly and maintained arils color brilliance. It was also found that covered fruits had much less ion leakage and hydrogen peroxide. Total analysis of the results showed that both covering methods had potential to control chilling damages in fruits different tissues. Therefore, both covering methods which are environmentally friendly are suitable for commercialization; however, wrapping the fruits in the paper sheets is placed in priority because of the better performance and lesser paper consumption.