Evaluation of Different Moisture Conservation Methods to Reduce Fruit Cracking in Pomegranate (Punica granatum) in Fruiting Stage
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Date
2020
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Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka
Abstract
Fruit cracking caused by irregular watering and moisture stress is a common problem in
pomegranate that accounts for 20-40% yield loss. However, less scientific information is
available on preventing fruit cracking. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the
different moisture conservation methods to reduce fruit cracking in the fruiting stage of
pomegranate at 4-year old cultivation in Dankotuwa. Treatments were laid out in twofactor factorial RCBD with 3 blocks. Factor 01 was moisture conservation method (T1-2
kg coconut husk chips with 25 g super absorbent polymer, T2-4 kg compost, T3-2 kg
coconut husk chips, T4-covering fruits with poly bags treated with 0.5 g super absorbent
polymer and T5-control) and factor 02 was the mulching effect (Mulch with grass straw
and No mulch). T1-T3 was buried in a trench as a 15 cm layer (in 1/3rd of canopy circle;
45 cm depth and 30 cm wide trenches). Super absorbent polymer material was analysed
separately for its physical and chemical properties. Yield and quality parameters were
tested through field evaluations. pH (7.46) and EC values (2.5 μS cm-1) of the polymer
were not at a hazardous level to the plant growth or soil and its absorption capacity was
329.66 ml g-1. However, it failed to return to dry form after saturation at a considerable
time by making it less practicable for repeated use. No significant interaction effect was
observed in the number of flowers, healthy fruits, cracked fruits, flowers, and fruit drops
(p≥0.05). Further, no significant difference was observed in any quality parameter. The
number of cracked fruits was significantly affected by the moisture conservation method.
Fruit cracks were reduced by 33% in the fruiting stage by burying 2 kg of dried coconut
husk chips (T1) as a 15 cm thickened layer around the 1/3 of the canopy circle of
pomegranate in 45 cm depth and 30 cm wide trenches. Hence, the coconut husk chip
application can be recommended as an effective remedy to reduce fruit cracking in
pomegranate.
Keywords: Fruit cracking, Moisture conservation, Mulching, Super absorbent polymer,
Moisture stress
Description
Keywords
Agriculture, crop Science, Fruit Cultivation