Effect of Amino acids and Pepton foliar applications on quality and storage life of pomegranate fruit cv. Malas-e- Save

In this study, the effect of amino acids and Pepton were investigated on some qualitative features and shelf life of pomegranate fruit. This experiment was conducted in two years using randomized complete block design with three treatments, Control, Amino acids, Pepton(soy protein hydrolyzed), in three replications on Malas-e- Save cultivar. Amino acids and Pepton were used at a concentration of two per thousand, at three times in pomegranate fruit developmental stages (from June 1, after fruit set of first flowers, at intervals of one month), quantitative and qualitative factors of fruit were evaluated after harvest and storage time for three months at 5±1 °C and 85% humidity. Results showed amino acid and Pepton did not have a significant effect on weight, fruit length and diameter, pH, fruit juice and flavor index. The lowest percentage of white arils was detected in fruit with amino acid treatment, followed by Pepton treatment compared to control. Total antioxidant activity significantly increased as a result of Pepton application compared with other treatments. Results showed, after storage duration, according to sensory evaluation, fruits treated with amino acid were more marketable in terms of quality of the skin (color and freshness), color and taste of arils, compared to others and the lowest chilling injury was observed in the fruits under this treatment. Results showed Peptone could not achieve our expectation as a source of amino acids, to enhance the quality and shelf life of thepomegranate fruit.