Preharvest and Postharvest Factors Affecting Deciduous Fruit Production in Oman

The Sultanate of Oman is located in South-Eastern Arabian Peninsula, a generally characterized by its arid-climate with high temperature throughout most of the year. Oman, nonetheless, has a unique and variable climate and geography that range from the tropical monsoon of the plain South to the temperate climate of the northern high-altitude mountains. These variations in climate and geography allowed for the cultivation of a wide range of tropical, subtropical and temperate fruit crops. While dominated by date palm, other fruit crops such as lime, mangoes, coconuts and pomegranates have significant economic and social values in their cultivation zones. Deciduous temperate and subtropical fruit crops in the northern Hajar mountains, particularly Jabal Alkhdar and Wadi Mistal, constitute a major source of income for local mountain inhabitants. They also provide employment opportunities, a source of year-round food supply and provide a range of traditionally made household items and byproducts. Several fruit crops have been cultivated for centuries; these include pomegranates, apricot, peach, walnut, and pome fruits. Pomegranate is the most valuable fruit crop in this mountainous region. The villages of al Jabal al Akhdar are the largest producer of local pomegranates in the Sultanate of Oman. Despite its economic importance to these villages, few studies have been conducted on pomegranates grown in these villages to address the critical issues that face pomegranate growers and producers in these mountains. Recent research activities aimed at studying pomegranates grown in Al Jabal Al Akhdar were carried out as part of a strategic research project investigating the postharvest technology and handling of Omani produce. The research work investigated fruit development and harvest indicators of pomegranates, fruit quality assessment of various pomegranate cultivars, the food and medicinal properties of pomegranates, and postharvest handling and storage of pomegranates. Utilizing the former and existing collaboration and experience of the research team from the University of Stellenbosch (South Africa) and Sultan Qaboos University, we propose a joint research proposal aimed at investigating the current challenges of producing pomegranates and temperate fruit crops in the Jabal Akhdar and Wadi Mistal, address the current practices and propose several solutions aiming at improving fruit yield and quality of local pomegranates. The proposed research will cover the following areas of study: (1) Distribution, biology and physiology of Omani deciduous fruits aiming at morphologically and molecularly describe the genetic diversity of pomegranates and other deciduous fruit crops; (2) Pre-harvest factors that influence fruit yield and quality, including cultural and management practices such as irrigation, fertilizer application and the common pest and disease control, of cultivated pomegranates in the villages of al Jabal al Akhdar (Nizwa) and Wadi Mistal (Nakhal); (3) Postharvest physical and chemical characteristics at various stages of development to determine the appropriate harvesting time, post-harvest quality assessment and the storability and usability of the pomegranate fruit. Several research tools will be utilized to achieve the objectives of the study including survey of current status and gathering of information related to the cultivation practices of pomegranates, that include molecular, physiological, physical and chemical information related to pomegranate cultivation, fruit yield and quality, and nutritional value. This study will provide comprehensive information about current farming practices through survey and research and compare it to alternative management system of pomegranate tree and fruit prior and after harvest that enhance fruit yield and quality of pomegranates. The experience of South Africa in the expanding cultivation of pomegranates and pomegranate postharvest, handling and processing, will be invaluable to the above stated objectives.