Combined Application of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid and Carnauba Wax as Edible Coating on Pomegranates in Cold Storage

Pomegranate is a popular fruit, rich in antioxidants and minerals but sensitive to postharvest storage. The efficiency of ۵ and ۱۰ mM γ-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) combined with ۰.۵% carnauba wax as edible coating was investigated on extending the cold storage life of pomegranate fruit (Cv. Malas Saveh) after ۴۵ and ۹۰ days. Coatings maintained fruit freshness, inhibited the chilling injury symptoms, reduced peel malondialdehyde formation (minimum of ۰.۷۴ nM g-۱), reduced loss of aroma/taste, and increased aril antioxidant activity (maximum of ۹۴.۹%). Aril anthocyanin content was more stable in ۵ mM GABA coated than uncoated fruits. However, the coatings caused more weight loss on ۴۵th day (۱۱.۰% in ۱۰ mM GABA and ۸.۳% in the control). This parameter was similar in coated and uncoated fruits after ۹۰ days. Aril phenolic content in coated fruits was higher on ۹۰th day but not on ۴۵th day (maximum of ۰.۰۸ mg.۱۰۰g-۱ in the control on day ۴۵). Aril lightness increased in the control sample on ۴۵th day while coated fruits were more similar to harvest time. After ۹۰ days, the control and treated samples were similar. The color scales (a*, b*, and Chroma) values of peels and arils declined by storage without any significant effects of coatings. Peel and aril Hue did not change by storage time or coatings. Results suggested some benefits of coatings for retaining the postharvest quality of pomegranate fruits.

کلیدواژه ها:

Antioxidant activity ، Fruit quality ، Punica granatum L ، Shelf life.