Copper level and Fatty acid Composition among Healthy and Cracked fruits of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cv. Bhagwa

Abstract

Punica granatum L. (Pomegranate) is commercially valuable fruit belonging to Punicaceae family. Copper is essential micronutrient that plant require for various processes. Copper level and fatty acid composition was studied in order to find variation among healthy and cracked fruit of Punica granatum L. Fatty acid composition of pomegranate leaves was determined using hyphenated GC-MS technique while copper concentration was found using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Variation among fatty acids was found in healthy and cracked fruit. Predominant fatty acid in healthy fruit was Linolenic acid (40.95%) while Palmitic acid (41.38%) was in highest proportion in cracked fruit. Stearic acid was found absent in cracked fruits. Findings from AAS showed that excess copper (1.77ppm) was found in leaves of plant bearing cracked fruit. Variation in fatty acid and absence of stearic acid at early developing stage can be used for possible cracking detection in pomegranate fruit also, high copper level increase cracking in pomegranate, so pesticides and fungicide containing copper should be used in adequate amounts in order to reduce cracking in pomegranate fruits.