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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]

Purpose: Environmental stresses are a main disturbing factor influencing horticultural productivity around the world. It will affect all plants including resistant or non-resistant cultivars. So, it is important to find the better cultivars and to check the response to adverse environmental conditions. Research method: Thus, the present research was conducted to evaluate responses of different bearing status of pistachio cultivars including Kalleh-Ghochi (K), Ohadi (O) and Ahmad-Aghaii (A), grafted on Badami-Rize-Zarand as rootstock, for six consecutive years to soil salinity. Findings: ONbearing trees of 'Ahmad-Aghaii' showed the highest yield, followed by 'Ohadi' and 'Kalleh-Ghochi'. In addition, the lowest leaf temperature was observed with this cultivar. Although the highest nitrogen, sodium, carbohydrate, peroxidase and leaf temperature was obtained in ON-bearing trees, however, the lowest potassium and total phenol content indicated in OFF-bearing status. It was found a negative correlation between leaf potassium content and ABI, between leaf peroxidase activity and ABI and between leaf temperature and ABI. On the other hand, leaf temperature increased as leaf sodium content increased. Research limitations: There was no limitation. Originality/Value: From data presented here, it is concluded that salinity and Na accumulation might be effective in changing the response of the pistachio cultivar under harsh environmental conditions which affects yield component and alternate bearing index. [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]

Jujube fruit quickly undergoes spoilage and normally has a short shelf life. Therefore, the effect of immersion treatment in different calcium salts on qualitative and biochemical characteristics of fresh jujube fruit was evaluated. Treatments included control (distilled water) and solutions of calcium chloride, calcium nitrate, and calcium sulfate at a concentration of 0.5 and 1%. Fruits were immersed in water or calcium salt solution for 5 min, air-dried and then cold stored at 4 °C for 50 days. The results showed that such treatment did not affect significantly the pulp color and the anthocyanin concentration in the fruit. However, the soluble solids in the treated fruits significantly decreased compared with the control. Interestingly, all levels of calcium salts, except 0.5% calcium nitrate, preserved the total antioxidant capacity in comparison with the control. Concentrations of 1% calcium nitrate, chloride, and sulfate significantly increased crispness compared with the control. The taste of fruit treated with calcium sulfate significantly deteriorated compared with the control and other treatments. In general, 1% calcium nitrate and 1% calcium chloride applied before storage preserved or strengthened the jujube fruit qualities after storage compared with control. It can be concluded that such treatment is recommended for practical application.

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of two girdling dates (late April and early September) on fruit quality and carbohydrate accumulation in barberry shrubs (Berberis vulgaris L.) during the years 2016–2017. One year old shoots were ringed and fruit characteristics were monitored for two continues year. Data showed that the girdling caused a significant increase in the ascorbic acid content in fruit. Similarly, anthocyanin and total acidity were affected by girdling compared to control in 2017. September-girdled shrubs had the highest amount of fresh mass but the dry mass was not changed. It was shown that chlorophyll b increased in the girdled shrubs compared to control. September girdling reduced the carbohydrate content in leaves. In contrast, it increased the carbohydrate content in shoots. In addition, there was a significant difference between starch in the shoot and starch in leaf. Owing to the obtained results, early September girdling caused a broad range on fruit quality.

The present research was conducted to find influence of salicylic acid (SA) at 0.5, 1, and 2 mM and potassium nitrate (KNO3) at 250, 500, and 1 000 ppm on reproductive and vegetative parameters, and color characteristics of saffron under field condition. The results indicated the highest a, L, and chroma and the lowest b at 2 mM SA treatment. The highest flowering appearance rate and membrane stability index and the lowest electrolyte leakage were observed at 2 mM SA and to lesser extent at 1000 ppm KNO3. The highest flower number, corolla dry weight, and stigma dry weight was shown in plants treated with SA. Chlorophyll a content and Fv/Fm value increased with the application of 2 mM SA. The data indicated the effectiveness of SA on the growth of saffron.

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.) fruit is an important source of anthocyanins and is used for consumption and in medicine. However, fruit production of barberry is not regular. Two experiments in four locations were conducted on this plant to explore if it is alternate bearer and also to investigate carbohydrates and phenolics contents in leaves and shoots during growth season. Evaluation of barberry shrubs in three different location showed strong alternate bearing. The value of leaf number to berry number ratio was small. A correlation was found between tree age and alternate bearing index (ABI), because elder shrubs exhibited more ABI. Total carbohydrates and phenolics contents in vegetative organs showed an increase during the fruit setting stage, except for the carbohydrates in shoots. The highest value of carbohydrates was observed 10 days after leaf appearance and then decrease. ON bearing shrubs showed the highest value of total carbohydrates content in leaves during fruit setting stage, after which it decreased. However, OFF bearing shrubs indicated a reducing trend in this variable. In both bearing statuses (ON and OFF trees), total carbohydrates decreased with season progression. It is concluded that this plant is strongly alternate bearer and this characteristic may be related to carbohydrates and phenolics changes in leaf and shoot organs.

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]

The present research was conducted to investigate the effect of direct sun-light on color development of seedless barberry fruit. The selected orchards were in different locations (with different altitude). On some trees, some inflorescences were chosen to cover as bagged (excluded from direct sun-light). Some cases also used as non-bagged. Bagging was done in different times during growing season. Results showed that in all regions, day temperatures were higher than 20°C, and night was lower than 30°C. The lowest difference of day-night temperatures observed in Marvak. Bagging showed a significant effect on anthocyanin (ant), hue angle (h*), lightness and redness (a*). Bagging time significantly influenced chroma (C*) and b/a values. Ant, C*, a*, and a/b values significantly affected by location characteristics specifically altitude, and the highest ant and a* value observed in Marvak. In all locations, the highest value of ant and h* observed with not-bagged fruits. The highest value of a* obtained in not-bagged fruits. It is concluded that direct sun is needed for color development of barberry fruits, however, night-cool temperatures also are important for anthocyanin accumulation of this fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to determine the effect of fulvic acid and NPK fertilizer on antioxidant activity, biochemical parameters and yield of basil, an experiment was conducted as factorial arrangement based on randomized complete block design. The results showed that the highest of anthocyanin (21.1 mg/g dry weight) with application of 3 per thousand of NPK fertilizer and the lowest anthocyanin (0.95 mg/g dry weight) were obtained from control treatment. The highest antioxidant activity (76.6%) was obtained from 5 kg/ ha fulvic acid and its lowest (70.6%) were obtained from control treatment (no fertilizer fulvic acid and NPK fertilizer). Also the highest anthocyanin (1.74 mg/g dry weight), chlorophyll b (1.52 mg/g fresh weight) and total chlorophyll (2.99 mg/g fresh weight) were obtained by application of 3 per thousand of NPK fertilizer and 10 kg ha-1 fulvic acid. Also result showed that the highest biological yield (22955 kg.ha-1) and plant dry weight (483.8 gm-2) were obtained from treatment of 6 per thousand of NPK fertilizer and 10 kg ha-1 fulvic acid and the lowest amounts (14418 kg ha-1 and 259.5 gm-2) from control treatment (no fertilizer fulvic acid and NPK fertilizer) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to monitor quality parameters and to reduce postharvest losses as well as to extend the storage life of pomegranate fruit using pre-storage high CO2 treatment and active packaging. Short-term high CO2 treated pomegranate fruits cv. Shishe-kab packed with nano-bags (MAP1 and MAP2) or remained unpacked and stored in cold storage at 5°C for 12 weeks. The results show that the fruit decay, chilling injury, and weight loss values were significantly decreased by short-term high CO2 treatment in both packed (MAP) and unpacked fruits compared to unpacked control. As a general trend, there were no significant differences in pH, TSS, and TA between treatments at the end of storage period. Slight decreases in aril colour, measured as a* and chroma values were found in packed fruit with MAP2, which was included with the 1-MCP sachet. In conclusion, the short-term high CO2 shock alone was effective to reduce weight loss, decay, and storage disorders on pomegranate fruit cv. Shishe-kab compared to control, suggesting high CO2 shock as an alternative treatment to control postharvest decay and also maintaining the postharvest quality of the pomegranate fruits during cold storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]