Postharvest physiology and storage technology of Xinjiang Kashi sweet pomegranate

The storage technology of Kashi sweet pomegranates was explored by investigating the postharvest physiology under six different treatments. The soluble solids contents, reducing sugar contents, titratable acid contents and ascorbic acid contents were measured for the sweet pomegranates with different treatments. The fresh-cut pomegranate skin was taken to measure the tannin contents, the ascorbic acid oxidase activity and the peroxidase activity. The pericarp browning index and the merchandise fruit rate was measured during the preservation period. The experimental results showed that the postharvest Kashi sweet pomegranates which were fumigated for 1.5 h with 4.5% TBZ at the rate 5 g/m3 and then each packaged with 0.02-mm-thick plastic bag could keep a merchandise fruit rate of more than 90% after stored for 120 days in a cold storage house with temperature (2±1)℃ and relative humidity of 85%-90%. The pomegranates after storage appear generally sweet and sour taste, brightly-colored pomegranates skins and have a high value in merchandise.