RESPONSE OF LOCAL VARIETY 'SHLEFY' POMEGRANATE FRUITS TO PACKAGING AND COLD STORAGE

This study was carried out during the two successive seasons of 2005 and 2006 using fruits of the local variety ‘Shlefy’ pomegranates (Punica granatum) grown in Derna in the Eastern part of Libya to investigate the response of this variety to cold storage and packaging. Uniform fruits were picked at the proper stage according to local farmers’ suggested dates, then brought to labs to be packaged and cold stored. Polyethylene (PE) bags (0.03 mm), commercial packaging (Falcon) and Vapor Gard waxing (2%) were used with loose fruits serving as control. Fruits were then stored at 5 and 7°C for 4 months. Changes in physical and chemical properties were recorded monthly. Results revealed the superiority of PE packaging among other treatments in reducing weight loss, retention of anthocyanin and ascorbic acid (Vit C) levels and keeping freshness of stored fruits at both temperature levels. This treatment also lowered the destruction of levels of sugars and total soluble solids compared with other packaging treatments tested and control fruits. This variety proved to have a high storability for a relatively long period.