an investigation of th physicochemical seasonal changes of pomegranate (punica granatum l.) fruit cv. malas-e-torsh-e-saveh'

iran is the center of origin as well as variation for pomegranate (punica granatum l.). also, iran is one of the most important countries in the world in terms of pomegranate culture and production. monitoring morphological and physiological changes which occur during fruit growth and development is an important determining in orchard management decisions. the aim of the present research was to study fruit physicochemical changes of pomegranate cv. `malas-e-torsh-e-saveh' during its growth and development. the results indicated that pomegranate fruit growth and development during the growing season follows a single sigmoid growth pattern. in addition, length, diameter, volume, fresh weight, dry weight, 100 fresh aril weight, aril percent, juice percent, ph, total soluble solids as well as flavor index increased during fruit growth and development. meanwhile titrable acidity, fruit peel thickness, and percent as well as fruit length to diameter ratio decreased during its growth from fruit set until maturation and full ripening. there was a correlation observed between total soluble solids and titrable acidity which could be used for a determination of optimum time for fruit harvest. in general, `malas-e-torsh-e-saveh' is a late maturing cultivar whose fruit diameter and length become equal at full fruit ripening stage with its fruit consisting of 68% aril (with 68% aril juice) and 32% peel. at this stage, total soluble solids, titrable acidity, ph and flavor index were 18%, 1(mg/100g), 3.40-3.50 and 18 respectively. the results obtained from the present research work could be effectively used for a better management of pomegranate cv. `malas-e-torsh-e-saveh' orchards.