Effect of application of Clove and Cinnamon essential oils on maintain quality post-harvest of Pomegranate

Using the essential oils to increase the storage life and quality of horticultural products as a new idea is developed in agriculture. In this context, an experiment was conducted in order to effect of application Essential oils of clove and Cinnamon on maintain quality post-harvest of pomegranate (‘Punica granatum’ cv. Tarom red skin). A split design in time in a completely randomized design with two factors essential oils of cloves and cinnamon each in four levels (0, 500, 1000, 1500 mg per liter) and time in three levels (one month, two months, three months of storage) at 6°C and relative humidity of 85 percent, with four replications. The results showed that with increasing storage period total soluble solid (TSS), anthocyanin, electrolyte leakage, chilling injury, weight loss percent and severity of decay increased. Essential oils by reducing oxidation processes, such as respiration of consumption organic acids in products reduce. The amount of anthocyanin in the fruit treated with essential oil of clove increased more than pomegranates treated with Essential oil of cinnamon. Essential Oils of clove and Cinnamon have a similar effect of chilling injury and decay. Decay of (42.25 percent) in control to (30.75 percent) in the essential oil of cloves 1500 mg per liter decreased in the second month of storage. General, pomegranates treated with essential oils of clove and essential oil of cinnamon have better quality and storage life.