Articles
Evaluation of different training systems on pomegranate fruits by agronomic and nutraceutical approaches
Article number
1442_10
Pages
69 – 76
Language
English
Abstract
Pomegranates (Punica granatum L.) are considered a functional food due to the high content of nutraceutical and antioxidant compounds and have been used since ancient times for medical benefits.
The cultivation method plays a pivotal role in shaping the nutraceutical profile of fruit crop, ultimately influencing their health-promoting properties.
Training systems are implemented by using tree planting arrangements and canopy geometries with the aim of improving tree yield and fruit quality.
Although, some information is available about how training systems affect fruit parameters, little is known regarding the physiological performance under different tree architecture in pomegranate.
Consequently, in this study, four different training systems for ‘Santa Lucia’ pomegranate fruits, including vase, oblique palmette, free palmette and Y were evaluated based on agronomic and qualitative traits.
The training system had an important influence on fruit agronomic and physico-chemical traits.
The average fruit weight was significantly affected by training system and ranged from 464.19±72.08 g in vase to 378.32±68.78 in Y. In our study, the training systems significantly influenced only TSS in pomegranate fruit.
TSS values ranged from 15.38±0.22 °Brix in oblique palmette to 16.47±0.21 °Brix in vase, while no statistical differences were highlighted in TA and pH values.
Furthermore, also the content of bioactive compounds in pomegranate fruit was influenced by the different training systems with the highest value of polyphenol content and ascorbic acid content in free palmette and vase, respectively.
Principal component analysis confirmed the differences in all investigated parameters in pomegranate fruit among four different training systems.
This multidisciplinary study expands our knowledge of the influence of training systems on agronomic and qualitative features in pomegranate fruit.
The cultivation method plays a pivotal role in shaping the nutraceutical profile of fruit crop, ultimately influencing their health-promoting properties.
Training systems are implemented by using tree planting arrangements and canopy geometries with the aim of improving tree yield and fruit quality.
Although, some information is available about how training systems affect fruit parameters, little is known regarding the physiological performance under different tree architecture in pomegranate.
Consequently, in this study, four different training systems for ‘Santa Lucia’ pomegranate fruits, including vase, oblique palmette, free palmette and Y were evaluated based on agronomic and qualitative traits.
The training system had an important influence on fruit agronomic and physico-chemical traits.
The average fruit weight was significantly affected by training system and ranged from 464.19±72.08 g in vase to 378.32±68.78 in Y. In our study, the training systems significantly influenced only TSS in pomegranate fruit.
TSS values ranged from 15.38±0.22 °Brix in oblique palmette to 16.47±0.21 °Brix in vase, while no statistical differences were highlighted in TA and pH values.
Furthermore, also the content of bioactive compounds in pomegranate fruit was influenced by the different training systems with the highest value of polyphenol content and ascorbic acid content in free palmette and vase, respectively.
Principal component analysis confirmed the differences in all investigated parameters in pomegranate fruit among four different training systems.
This multidisciplinary study expands our knowledge of the influence of training systems on agronomic and qualitative features in pomegranate fruit.
Authors
A. Nunziata, D. Cice, E. Ferrara, G. Capriolo, M. Petriccione
Keywords
Punica granatum L., fruit crops, bio-agronomic traits, bioactive compounds, polyphenols
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