effects of pre-harvest foliar spraying of potassium and zinc on the physicochemical properties and shelf-life of 'malas saveh' pomegranates

Despite being a non-climacteric fruit, the pomegranate is highly perishable because its skin has numerous tiny pores that allow for the free movement of water vapor, making the fruit highly susceptible to water loss. foliar spraying of nutrient solutions is a very effective way to maintain the quality and increase the shelf-life of fruits. in this study, the effect of foliar spraying of different levels of k2so4 (0, 1, and 2 %) and znso4 (0, 0.5, and 1 %) on the shelf life, quality, and physicochemical parameters of 'malas saveh' pomegranate fruits during cold storage was assessed. physicochemical parameters were evaluated on the day of harvest and after 30, 60, and 90 days of storage. the mineral solutions were sprayed to a runoff on each tree using a backpack sprayer in four times: the first application was during the time of flowering and rest three applications were applied at two-week intervals. based on statistical analysis, the fruits of treated trees were significantly higher in tss (total soluble solids), ta (titratable acidity), anthocyanin, vitamin c, and sensory attributes, nevertheless lower in tss/ta, firmness, and weight loss during storage compared to the control. the findings of the study revealed that foliar spraying with k2so4 and znso4 has high potential in maintaining quality characteristics and increasing the storability of pomegranate fruits.