A recent two-year study conducted in Saveh, Iran, has determined the optimal harvest time for the 'Wonderful' variety of pomegranates, known for their high quality and marketability. Harvesting the fruit at the right time is pivotal, as it affects the fruit's weight, taste, color, and nutritional content.
The researchers, aiming to provide valuable insights for growers, focused on the ideal harvest windows based on quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the pomegranates. They examined fruits collected at three intervals: 155 days after flowering (DAF) on September 27, 170 DAF on October 12, and 185 DAF on October 27. The results from this study indicated significant variances across the different harvest times.
Fruits harvested on September 27 demonstrated the lowest qualitative traits, with incomplete skin and aril coloration, reflecting the impacts of premature harvesting. By October 27, the pomegranates displayed enhanced physical qualities, showing the highest total soluble solids (TSS) of 17.76 °Brix, pH level of 3.41, and anthocyanin concentration of 32.56 mg/L. Conversely, these later harvests correlated with decreased total phenols and antioxidant capacity, indicating the versatile impacts of harvest timing on fruit quality.
Notably, this study provided direct measurements of how fruit weight and juice yield increased with delayed harvest. Specifically, the third harvest (October 27) recorded the highest fruit weight—327.17 grams from Orchard A and 376.83 grams from Orchard B. Similarly, the aril weight peaked, reaffirming the benefits of allowing the fruit to mature before harvest.
Despite these advantages, later harvesting raised concerns about fruit cracking, which significantly increased to 30.25% by the third harvest date. This study emphasized October 12 to 27 as the ideal harvesting window, balancing quality and the risk of damage to the fruit.
Iran is known for its diverse pomegranate cultivars, with the Wonderful variety gaining popularity for its attractive quality and flavor. This specific study, addressing the nuances of the semi-arid climate of Saveh, provides impactful guidelines for growers seeking to cultivate this variety effectively. Understanding the climatic requirements and the physiological changes through maturation stages is fundamental to achieving optimal fruit quality.
The study involved detailed experimentation within two orchards across two years, employing rigorous methodologies to evaluate both physical traits like rind color and juiciness, and biochemical aspects such as the antioxidant capacity and anthocyanin content of the juice. Statistical analysis demonstrated clear relationships between harvest timing and several quality parameters, underscoring the importance of synchronization with local environmental conditions.
To optimize fruit quality, growers are advised to monitor the developments closely as the harvest period approaches. Strong recommendations emerge to prioritize harvesting within the noted timeframe, ensuring they capitalize on the nutritional values offered by the fully matured fruits, supporting both local trade and export potential.
This study sheds light on the importance of proper harvest timing, presenting growers with practical strategies to employ, which are not only based on empirical findings but also address broader impacts on marketability and consumer preferences. Through enhanced cultivation practices and awareness of harvest impacts, Iranian pomegranate producers can boost fruit quality and overall production efficiency.