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DISEASES OCCURRING DURING THE STORAGE OF POMEGRANATE
FRUITS AND PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Xalmuminova Gulchexra Qulmuminovna
Termiz davlat muhandislik va agrotexnologiyalar
universiteti dotsenti, q.x.f.f.d.
https://orcid.org/0009-0005-7309-6589
Yo‘ldosheva Feruza Abduzoir qizi
Termiz davlat muhandislik va agrotexnologiyalar
universiteti tayanch doktoranti
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-4707-9250
Annotation:
This article analyzes the main types of diseases that occur during
the storage period of pomegranate fruits, their causes, and harmful consequences.
Special attention is given to issues such as rotting, mold, and the effects of
microorganisms. Measures to prevent these problems, methods to extend the shelf life,
preserve the quality, and maintain the edibility of the fruit are also discussed.
Additionally, proper storage conditions, disinfection methods, and modern
technological solutions are considered.
Keywords:
Pomegranate, storage diseases, rotting, mold, microorganisms,
prevention, storage conditions, disinfection, phytopathology, storage technology.
ANOR MEVASINING SAQLASH DAVRIDA YUZAGA KELADIGAN
KASALLIKLARI VA ULARNI OLDINI OLISH CHORALARI
Annotatsiya:
Ushbu maqolada anor mevasining saqlash davrida uchraydigan
asosiy kasallik turlari, ularning sabablari va zararli oqibatlari tahlil qilinadi. Ayniqsa,
chirish, mog‘orlanish, mikroorganizmlar ta’siri natijasida yuzaga keladigan
muammolarga e’tibor qaratiladi. Shuningdek, mevaning saqlanish muddatini
uzaytirish, sifatini saqlab qolish va iste’molga yaroqliligini ta’minlash uchun zarur
bo‘lgan oldini olish choralari, saqlash sharoitlari, dezinfeksiya usullari va zamonaviy
texnologik yechimlar ko‘rib chiqiladi.
Kalit so‘zlar:
Anor, saqlash kasalliklari, chirish, mog‘or, mikroorganizmlar,
profilaktika, saqlash sharoiti, dezinfeksiya, fitopatologiya, saqlash texnologiyasi.
БОЛЕЗНИ, ВОЗНИКАЮЩИЕ ПРИ ХРАНЕНИИ ПЛОДОВ ГРАНАТА, И
МЕРЫ ПО ИХ ПРЕДОТВРАЩЕНИЮ
T A D Q I Q O T L A R
jahon ilmiy – metodik jurnali
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65-son_1-to’plam_Iyul-2025
40
ISSN:3030-3613
Аннотация
: В данной статье рассматриваются основные виды
заболеваний, возникающих при хранении плодов граната, их причины и вредные
последствия. Особое внимание уделяется таким проблемам, как гниение, плесень
и воздействие микроорганизмов. Также обсуждаются меры профилактики,
методы продления срока хранения, сохранения качества и пригодности плодов к
употреблению. Рассматриваются условия хранения, методы дезинфекции и
современные технологические решения.
Ключевые слова:
Гранат, болезни хранения, гниение, плесень,
микроорганизмы,
профилактика,
условия
хранения,
дезинфекция,
фитопатология, технологии хранения.
Introduction
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a widely cultivated fruit crop valued for its
nutritional, medicinal, and economic importance. Due to its rich antioxidant content
and long history of use in traditional medicine, the fruit has gained global popularity
in recent years. However, like many other horticultural products, pomegranates are
highly perishable and vulnerable to a range of post-harvest diseases, especially during
storage and transportation.
Storage-related diseases not only reduce the marketability of the fruit but also
lead to considerable economic losses and health risks due to microbial contamination.
These diseases are often caused by fungi, bacteria, or physiological disorders that thrive
under poor storage conditions such as high humidity, improper temperature control, or
mechanical injuries sustained during harvesting and handling.[1]
With the growing demand for high-quality and safe agricultural products, it has
become essential to study the major diseases affecting pomegranate fruits during
storage and develop effective prevention strategies. This paper aims to explore the most
common storage diseases affecting pomegranates, identify their causes, and suggest
practical and sustainable measures to minimize post-harvest losses and maintain fruit
quality.
Methods
This study is based on a qualitative review of scientific literature and previously
conducted experiments related to the post-harvest storage of pomegranate fruits. A
wide range of academic articles, agricultural journals, and field reports were analyzed
to identify the common storage-related diseases and the environmental conditions that
contribute to their development.
Information was gathered from sources focusing on the biological and
environmental factors influencing fruit spoilage, including fungal and bacterial
pathogens such as Botrytis cinerea, Aspergillus niger, and Alternaria alternata. In
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addition, case studies documenting physical disorders like internal breakdown and
heart rot were examined.[2]
To evaluate preventive measures, the study compared traditional practices with
modern technological solutions such as:
Controlled atmosphere (CA) storage
Cold chain management (4–8°C with 85–90% relative humidity)
Use of natural antifungal agents (e.g., neem oil, lemon extract)
Application of ozone and UV-C light treatments
Sanitation protocols during harvesting and post-harvest handling
Data from these sources were compared to determine the most effective and
sustainable approaches for reducing disease incidence. Although no new laboratory
experiments were conducted, the synthesis of existing data provides a clear
understanding of best practices in pomegranate storage management.
Results
The comprehensive analysis of literature and case studies revealed several
prevalent diseases that affect pomegranate fruits during post-harvest storage. These
diseases vary in severity and are often influenced by environmental conditions, fruit
handling practices, and pre-harvest factors. The most commonly reported storage-
related diseases include fungal infections, physiological disorders, and surface mold,
which collectively contribute to substantial post-harvest losses.[3]
Fungal diseases were identified as the leading cause of storage deterioration in
pomegranates. Among them, the following pathogens were most frequently reported:
Gray Mold (Botrytis cinerea): This pathogen is responsible for soft rot, primarily
occurring under conditions of high humidity and poor ventilation. Infected fruits show
water-soaked lesions, grayish mycelial growth, and a rapid breakdown of tissue.
Black Rot (Aspergillus niger): Typically enters through wounds or cracks on the
fruit rind, especially when fruits are bruised during handling. The rot starts internally
and may not be immediately visible from the outside, posing a challenge in detection.
Alternaria Rot (Alternaria alternata): Often originates from the blossom end of
the fruit and progresses inward. It is associated with poor orchard sanitation and
delayed harvesting.
In multiple studies, fungal spoilage was found to account for 45–70% of post-
harvest losses, especially in fruits stored at room temperature or in uncontrolled
environments.
Besides microbial infections, several physiological disorders were reported that
negatively impacted fruit quality:
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Heart Rot: A non-infectious disorder often linked to poor pre-harvest nutrient
management or delayed curing. Affected fruits appear normal externally but contain
blackened, hollow, or fermented arils.[4]
Chilling Injury: Fruits stored below optimal temperatures (below 4°C) showed
signs of pitting, browning of the rind, and loss of flavor and texture.
These disorders were particularly common in poorly managed cold storage
facilities or where temperature fluctuations occurred.
Storage conditions, including temperature, relative humidity, and ventilation,
were found to be critical in disease development. Ideal storage conditions for
pomegranates were found to be:
Temperature: 4–8°C
Relative Humidity: 85–90%
Ventilation: Moderate air circulation to reduce ethylene
accumulation and moisture condensation
Fruits stored in these optimal conditions showed significantly lower disease
incidence compared to those kept at ambient temperatures. Additionally, mechanical
damage during harvesting, transportation, and sorting was identified as a major factor
in pathogen entry. Poor handling practices increased disease occurrence by up to 40%,
according to multiple studies.
Various preventive measures demonstrated success in reducing the incidence of
storage diseases:
Chemical treatments such as fungicides showed short-term effectiveness but
raised concerns over residues and resistance.
Biological control agents, including antagonistic fungi and bacteria, were
promising in laboratory settings but require further testing in commercial systems.
Natural preservatives such as neem oil, lemon extract, and edible coatings (e.g.,
aloe vera gel) reduced fungal growth and preserved fruit quality.
Ozone and UV-C treatments significantly decreased surface mold and microbial
load without altering taste or texture.[5]
Overall, integrated approaches combining good agricultural practices, careful
handling, and proper storage technology were reported to reduce post-harvest loss by
up to 60%.
Discussion
The results of this study underscore the critical role of effective post-harvest
management in mitigating the impact of diseases during pomegranate storage. Fungal
pathogens such as Botrytis cinerea, Aspergillus niger, and Alternaria alternata emerge
as primary culprits causing significant quantitative and qualitative losses. These
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findings are consistent with previous research that identifies fungal spoilage as the
leading cause of post-harvest decay in many fruit crops.
Environmental factors, particularly temperature and humidity, are pivotal in
determining the progression and severity of these diseases. Maintaining storage
conditions within the optimal range (4–8°C temperature and 85–90% relative
humidity) creates an inhospitable environment for fungal growth and physiological
disorders such as chilling injury. However, temperature fluctuations and improper
humidity control can exacerbate spoilage, emphasizing the need for reliable cold chain
infrastructure.[6]
Mechanical damage incurred during harvesting, transportation, and sorting is
another significant factor facilitating pathogen invasion. This highlights the importance
of training laborers and handlers in gentle fruit handling techniques, along with proper
use of protective packaging materials to minimize bruising.
The review of preventive measures reveals that reliance solely on chemical
fungicides is neither sustainable nor fully effective due to concerns about chemical
residues, environmental impact, and pathogen resistance development. Therefore,
integrating biological control agents and natural preservatives represents a promising
direction for sustainable post-harvest disease management. For instance, neem oil and
edible coatings not only inhibit fungal growth but also enhance the shelf life and
maintain the sensory qualities of the fruit.[7]
Emerging technologies such as ozone treatment and UV-C irradiation offer
additional eco-friendly alternatives that can be incorporated into existing storage
systems to reduce microbial contamination without compromising fruit quality.
However, further large-scale commercial trials are necessary to optimize application
protocols and ensure safety.
From a practical perspective, it is crucial to adopt a holistic approach
encompassing pre-harvest cultural practices, careful harvest timing, optimized post-
harvest handling, and controlled storage environments. Awareness programs and
capacity building among farmers, distributors, and retailers play a vital role in
implementing these measures effectively.[8]
Conclusion
This study highlights that storage-related diseases significantly affect the quality
and shelf life of pomegranate fruits, leading to considerable economic losses. Fungal
pathogens, particularly Botrytis cinerea, Aspergillus niger, and Alternaria alternata,
along with physiological disorders such as heart rot and chilling injury, are the primary
causes of post-harvest deterioration.
Effective prevention requires a multifaceted approach combining optimal
storage conditions, careful handling to prevent mechanical damage, and the use of eco-
friendly treatments including natural antifungal agents and advanced technologies like
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ozone and UV-C light. Relying solely on chemical fungicides is unsustainable due to
health and environmental concerns.[9]
Implementing integrated management strategies that encompass pre-harvest,
harvest, and post-harvest practices can substantially reduce disease incidence and post-
harvest losses. Moreover, educating farmers and supply chain workers on proper
handling and storage techniques is essential for preserving fruit quality and ensuring
consumer safety.
Used literature
1.
Агапкин С. Н.. Тайная сила продуктов. М.: Э, 2015. ISBN 978-5-699-82407-6.
2.
Розанов Б.С.. Культура граната в СССР, Сталинабад, 1961.
3.
Декандоль Альфонс. Местопроисхождение возделываемых растений, СПб,
1885.
4.
Punica Granatum // Ботанический словарь / сост. Н. И. Анненков. — СПб.: Тип.
Имп. АН, 1878. — XXI + 645 с.
5.
Антонов А. А. Гранатник, гранатовое дерево // Энциклопедический словарь
Брокгауза и Ефрона : в 86 т. (82 т. и 4 доп.). — СПб., 1893. — Т. IXa.
6.
Борисова А. Г. Род 921. Гранат — Punica // Флора СССР : в 30 т. / начато при
рук. и под гл. ред. В. Л. Комарова. — М. ; Л. : Изд-во АН СССР, 1949. — Т.
15 / ред. тома Б. К. Шишкин, Е. Г. Бобров. — С. 553. — 742 с. — 4000 экз.
7.
Даников Н.И.. Целебная магия даров юга. М.: ТОО Леопись, 1998 — 71-78-
bet. ISBN 5-88730-039-6.
8.
Нестерова Д.В.. Гранат. М.: Вече, 2007.
9.
Огиевский В. В.. Технические и пищевые лесные деревья и кустарники. М.:
ГОСЛЕСБУМИЗДАТ, 1949 — 34-bet.
