Combined effects of cropping system and harvest date determine quality and nutritional value of pomegranate fruits (Punica granatum L. cv. Gabsi)
2019
Boussaa, Faten | Zaouay, Faten | Burlo-Carbonell, Francisco | Nuncio-Jáuregui, Nallely | Gmati, Mahassen | Arbi, Boubaker El | Melgarejo, P. (Pablo) | Hernandez, Francisca | Mars, Messaoud
The oasis environment, where Tunisian pomegranates are cultivated simultaneously with several crops, was shown to fulfill ecological functions. Few studies related to the effects of environmental factors on pomegranate pre-harvest quality have been carried out, and even less have focused on the interaction between oasis environment and harvest date. This study aims to evaluate the physico-chemical and nutritional properties of pomegranate fruits cultivated under and outside oasis in order to determine the most accurate harvest indices and harvesting date in relation with cropping system. Results revealed that oasis environment was more favorable to produce large sized-fruits with high aril yield and high juice content compared to full sun conditions. Oasis pomegranates exhibited high total anthocyanin content, high hydrophilic antioxidant activity, high level of magnesium, potassium and manganese content. The visual colour of fruits and arils as well as TSS/TA ratio were found the most reliable maturity indices for taking harvest decision of pomegranate fruits. A better red coloration of fruit and arils associated with a balance between sugar content and acidity as well as high nutritional value (high mineral contents particularly Mg, K, Mn, high flavonoid and anthocyanin contents) of pomegranates harvested from different orchards at mid-october (D3) indicated their optimal use at this stage. Nevertheless, the full sun exposed fruits harvested at beginning of October (D2), characterized by pink/pink reddish colour, high TSS content and (TSS/TA) ratio and high calcium content, were considered as matured (commercial maturity) and would be ready for harvesting. Final fruit quality depends on both environmental factors and maturity stage. Based on the identified indices, Gabsi pomegranate harvesting could be started in regular full sun exposed plantations, then in orchards under date palm trees and at least one week later in traditional oases.
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