Sunburn in Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Fruit: Causes and Integrated Management Practices for Its Prevention

OpenAlex İngilizce

Sunburn is a major physiological disorder causing substantial yield and quality losses in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.). This review synthesizes the physiological basis, economic impacts, and integrated management strategies for the disorder, drawing comparative insights from other fruit species such as apple, pear, and grape. Sunburn develops when the fruit surface temperature exceeds 45–50°C, leading to cell death, necrosis, browning, and peel cracking. The underlying mechanism is driven by oxidative stress induced by excessive heat and radiation, which collapses antioxidant defense systems and results in lipid peroxidation, anthocyanin degradation, and the loss of phenolic compounds. Consequently, the fruit’s visual quality, nutritional value, shelf life, and functional properties are severely compromised. The disorder can cause 30–40% yield losses in the Mediterranean basin, reducing grower income by more than 20%, and its economic impact is intensified by the decisive role of external appearance in consumer perception. Physical measures such as kaolin-based particle films, shading nets, and fruit bagging have proven effective in reducing sunburn, while cultural practices including balanced pruning and optimized irrigation offer additional benefits. In the long term, the adoption of tolerant cultivars and the development of targeted breeding programs represent the most sustainable solutions. As climate change intensifies heat stress and increases the frequency of extreme temperature events, integrating cultural practices with digital agriculture technologies and early warning systems becomes essential. A comprehensive, forward-looking management approach is therefore critical to mitigate yield and quality losses and to ensure the economic sustainability of pomegranate production.