Abstract
This study aimed to assess the chemical responses of forage watermelon fruit at different maturity stages or storage lengths, performing two experimental tests. In the first test, four maturity stages were assessed: 30, 45, 60, and 75 days after anthesis, with four replicates. In the second test, fruits were maintained under three storage lengths: T1D (harvest day), T3M (3 months after harvest), and T6M (6 months after harvest), with eight replicates. Experimental design was completely randomized in both experimental tests. Fruit maturity stage did not affect crude protein, total carbohydrate, neutral detergent fiber, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), pulp firmness, soluble solids content and total pectin content, but increased acid detergent fiber content from 45 days after anthesis. Storage length up to six months after harvest increased ash, crude protein and IVDMD, and reduced the content of soluble solids. Forage watermelon fruit can be harvested from 30 to 75 days after anthesis equivalent to 75 - 120 days after planting, and they can be stored under tree shade up to 6 months after harvest.
Highlights
Citrullus lanatus var. citroides has multiple uses as human and animal food and as source of genes for commercial watermelon breeding programs (Mashilo, Shimelisa, Odindo, & Amelework, 2017)
Strategies to reduce post-harvest fruit losses of forage watermelon (FW), such as the process of harvesting and storing fruits in an appropriate place and the adequacy of storage length are important to increase the amount of nutrients and water for animals
Fruit maturity stages were assessed in the first test and the storage length was evaluated in the second test
Summary
Citrullus lanatus var. citroides has multiple uses as human and animal food and as source of genes for commercial watermelon breeding programs (Mashilo, Shimelisa, Odindo, & Amelework, 2017). Citroides has multiple uses as human and animal food and as source of genes for commercial watermelon breeding programs (Mashilo, Shimelisa, Odindo, & Amelework, 2017). Genotypes of this plant species are considered tolerant to water deficit (Mo et al, 2016) and have been identified as a potential forage resource in several regions, especially drylands (Souto et al, 2005; Silva et al, 2009; Santos, Melo, & Fonseca, 2017, Ribeiro et al, 2021). Kavut, Geren, and Simić (2014) reported weight loss of fruit may exceed 20% along 180 days after harvest. Strategies to reduce post-harvest fruit losses of forage watermelon (FW), such as the process of harvesting and storing fruits in an appropriate place and the adequacy of storage length are important to increase the amount of nutrients and water for animals
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