Effects of Different Shade Netting Treatments on some Quantitative and Qualitative Characteristics of Pomegranate Fruits cv. Malas-e- Saveh

In order to reduce the effects of temperature and high light intensity in hot areas and reduce the percentage of sunburn and increase the quality of pomegranate fruit, the present study was conducted.

The productivity of pomegranate cv. Malase-e-Saveh was examined under shade nets with two colours (White and Green) and two shade intensities (30 and 50% PAR) with two methods of application (on scaffold and on tree crown) and a control (open field without any treatment).

The experimental results clearly showed that photoselective nets influenced photosynthetically active radiation transmitted through the canopy which caused variation in average monthly temperature and humidity. Shading with the net (White 50%) resulted in the significant increase in juice percent, aril weight with higher fruit weight and highest yield as compared to the control condition. Maximum total antocyanin and Vitamin C, were recorded in the fruits grown under white shade net 50% (T3). Maximum TA, TSS and pH were recorded under open field conditions and White 50%. T3 imparted deep red color to peel and arils and increased juice recovery.

Present results indicated that installation of T3 reduced sunburn by up to 29%. T3 treatment (50% white) reduces sunburn and increases the quantitative and qualitative yield of fruit, total anthocyanin, total phenolic and vitamin C without changes in TSS, TA and pH, its use in pomegranate orchards to achieve higher yields and It is recommended to produce marketable fruits without any destructive effects on fruit quality.