Postharvest VeSolution Treatment Reduced the Rot Progression and In-Transit Rotting of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Fruits during Long Distance Transportation

Abstract

Pomegranate is of considerable economic significance, with Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat serving as the primary cultivation regions. In spite of the high production levels, postharvest losses are serious, with certain fruits experiencing fruit cracking, fungal infections, and poor handling during transportation, resulting in postharvest losses of up to 35%. Therefore, the present investigation examined the effectiveness of VeSolution in reducing these losses. The investigation entailed the isolation and identification of fungal pathogens from pomegranates that were infected. Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., and Coinella sp. were identified as the fungi that were associated with pomegranate fruit rotting. Following this, VeSolution's antifungal properties were assessed in vitro and in vivo. The results indicated that the growth of fungal colony was substantially inhibited by the 2% and 5% concentrations of VeSolution. The fruits rot development and progression were effectively restricted by the 2% VeSolution, as confirmed by in vivo assessments. Subsequent pilot and large-scale trials demonstrated that 1% VeSolution substantially reduced rot during longer transportation periods, thereby retaining the quality and reducing fruit rotting for up to 84 hours. These results emphasis VeSolution as a viable and non-toxic alternative to conventional synthetic fungicides for maintaining the postharvest quality of pomegranates.