Investigation of Some Physicochemical Traits and Changes After Storage of Fruits Belonging to 'Zivzik' Pomegranate Genotypes Grown in Siirt, Turkey

Abstract

Pomegranate genotypes called 'Zivzik' are widely grown in Siirt, Turkey, and these genotypes have sweet, tart, and sour fruits. This study was carried out to determine the physicochemical traits of fruits belonging to 'Zivzik' pomegranate genotypes, as well as changes in fruit characteristics after storage. Sweet, tart, and sour 'Zivzik' pomegranate genotypes were harvested in Sirvan and Pervari districts of Siirt. The fruits were placed in modified atmosphere packages and kept at 6 degrees C and 90% relative humidity for 3 months. Some physicochemical traits were determined in both harvested and stored pomegranate fruits. Fruit weight (280.8 g), berry weight (0.41 g), fruit width (84.5 mm), and fruit length (8.57 mm) of the fruits of the sweet pomegranate genotype were found to be higher than in the other genotype fruits. However, the total soluble solids content (17.57%), titratable acid content (3.02 g/100 ml), total phenol content (163.43 mg GAE/100 ml), and antioxidant activity (49.95 mu mol TE/ml) of the fruits of the sour pomegranate genotype were higher than in fruits of other genotypes. There were differences between pomegranate genotypes in fruit peel color and berry size. After storage, there was a significant decrease in the titratable acid content of fruits in all genotypes, while their total soluble solids, total phenol content, and antioxidant activities increased. However, no significant change was found in fruit peel color in any genotype. Consequently, there were differences between the physicochemical traits of the fruits belonging to the sweet, tart, and sour 'Zivzik' pomegranate genotypes, but there were no significant changes in these traits after storage.