Effect of Packaging Type and Calcium Spraying on Some Chemical Traits of Seedless Pomegranate Variety Rawa

Abstract

Abstract A study was conducted in the district of Rawa, located 224 km away from the city of Ramadi, on pomegranate trees of the Rawa seedless variety. The study investigated the effect of fruit packaging and calcium spraying on some chemical properties of the fruits of those trees. The study included two factors: the first factor involved using different types of bags to cover the fruits, including (untreated control, double-layered muslin clothes, white paper bags, and Saran). The second factor included calcium spraying at concentrations of 0, 1, and 2 g L-1. The results indicated that fruit covering treatments significantly influenced all studied chemical properties. Saran covering contributed to achieving the best results for the fruit peel content of elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, zinc, iron, and manganese at (2.78%, 0.42%, 74.59 mg kg-1, 181.98 mg kg-1, and 47.85 mg kg-1) respectively. On the other hand, the treatment of covering with white paper bags showed a significant effect on the fruit peel content of potassium (1.60%). Regarding calcium spraying, the high concentration (2 grams per liter) achieved the best values for all traits (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, iron, and manganese), at (2.80%, 0.45%, 1.66%, 75.43 mg kg-1, 183.42 mg kg-1, and 47.31 mg kg-1) respectively. The interaction between the study factors reached a significant level in influencing all studied traits. The treatment combination (M3C2) excelled in achieving the best values for most of the studied traits.