Semi-permanent Shadenet house for reducing the sunburn in pomegranates (Punica granatum)

Abstract

Pomegranate has great economic importance however its major share is damaged due to sunburn. Different techniques like increasing humidity around plant; use of cloth, paper bags to cover fruits; application of reflective materials etc. have been tried to reduce sunburn. Reflective materials and chemicals are preferred due to ease in application; however their use is not desirable in food commodities. Hence, study was conducted to develop semi-permanent shadenet house (SPSH) to reduce sunburn in pomegranates cultivated in hot region. 50% black shadenet was used as shading material. Front height, rear height, length and width of structure were 3.66 m, 3 m, 24.38 m and 6 m, respectively. Shadenet was removed after harvesting to attain tangible plant growth and again installed after fruit setting. Results indicated that installation of SPSH from May to August (or till harvesting) reduced sunburn to 2.9% against 17% sunburn in plants without any shade. SPSH imparted deep red color to peel and arils and increased juice recovery by 20-25%.