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Aril paleness is a physiological disorder that might be related to genetics, climate, and orchard management, and is progressed to negatively influence the quality of pomegranates in Iran. The final fruits are not economically valuable for costumers and not exportable. Thus, the present research investigated the intensity of aril paleness disorder in different cultivars including Shisheh Kab, Malas-e-Saveh, and Malas-e-Yazdi cultivated in Birjand, Southern Khorasan, Iran. Treatments included spraying potassium sulfate concentrations of 0 (control), 3 and 5% at late summer (exactly at aril color change stage) on trees for two consecutive years. Fruit and aril weight, anthocyanins, and phenols significantly increased on treated fruit compared to control. Comparison among cultivars indicated that the lowest amounts of quality parameters were observed in Shisheh Kab. Considering the multiple variables that affect the severity of the aril paleness, attention to cultivar type, climate, and the use of nutritional elements based on the soil and leaf analysis was recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The climate change and consequent degradation of soil and water resources have led to difficult conditions for farmers; thus, they should make intelligent decisions to face these statuses. Managing soil nutrient and mineral uptake by plants and its feasibility under harsh environment must be considered. Therefore, the present research was conducted to investigate the response of pomegranate variety Shishe Kab to Thiobacillus bacteria (B) and sulfur (S) fertilization. Treatments included sulfur fertilization (three levels: 0, 500 and 1000 g−1 tree) and inoculation with Thiobacillus bacteria (two levels: inoculated and non-inoculated). Totally, sulfur fertilization and inoculation with bacteria improved physiological and biochemical aspects and fruit production of pomegranate. Supplying S decreased soil pH, which the lowest value (5.2) was recorded in 500 g S tree−1 when accompanied with bacteria. Soil electrolyte leakage (EL) increased, when sulfur incorporated or when bacteria added to the soil. The interactive effects of B × S was significant on fruit diameter and weight, chlorophyll (Chl), carotenoid and potassium content, which were improved, although non-inoculated plants also showed high values of potassium content. Anthocyanin and total carbohydrate improved when bacteria inoculation was done; however, total acidity (TA) and total soluble solids (TSS) showed a significant decrease. The EL variable significantly decreased and tissue water content increased in this experiment, when inoculation or sulfur fertilization was used. The results obtained from present study emphasized on the necessity of using sulfur and Thiobacillus bacteria in increasing growth and yield and also chilling tolerance of pomegranate trees. From the experiment we found that supplying sulfur alone or accompanied with Thiobacillus bacteria gave the amazing results, lead to increase plant growth and development, yield increase and biochemical changes that are helpful under harsh environmental conditions, specifically cold and freezing stresses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aril paleness and sunburn of fruits in pomegranate are important disorders that significantly reduce marketability. The present research conducted to evaluate the effects of kaolin on pomegranate fruit quality and arranged as factorial design based on completely randomized block including time of spraying (late May or early July) of kaolin (KP) and different levels of KP. Data showed that there was a negative correlation between aril potassium (K) content and peel K content with aril paleness disorder. KP significantly decreased fruit temperature, sunburn (SB) and aril paleness, but, K contents in aril and peel, fruit quality (total phenol and vitamin C) and total aril weight significantly improved. Application of kaolin in late May was more useful compared with early July. Conclusion: Regarding to data, it is concluded that application of kaolin on pomegranate trees grown under hot climate is very useful improving fruit marketability and decreasing aril paleness disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]