Field inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improves quality attributes and yield of melon (Cucumis melo)

Abstract

ABSTRACT Melon (Cucumis melo) is an important economic and nutritional crop extensively cultivated worldwide. Morocco ranks 13th among the melon-producing countries with a production of 520,000 tones. Melon cultivation is facing the double challenge of solving management problems (fertilisation, pest control, etc.), and meeting the tendency to seek high-quality chemical-free fruits. This study aims to assess the effect of three arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, Rhizophagus intraradices (Rin), Rhizophagus fasciculatus (Rfa), Funneliformis mosseae (Fmo), and their complex, on yield and quality attributes of melon ‘Ananas’ based on field experiments. The results showed that inoculated plants exhibited higher production and fruit quality than the control. Rin-plants showed the highest increases in yield (84%), fresh weight (84.4%), longitudinal (34.7%) and equatorial (28.8%) perimeters, pulp thickness (39.8%), pulp-to-peel ratio (146.3%), Brix degree (14,6%), and highest decrease in peel thickness (77.7%). Moreover, Rin-plants exhibited the highest increases in proteins (343%), polyphenols (291%), flavonoids (140%), carotenoids (693%), ascorbic acid (43%) concentrations, DPPH radical inhibition (30%) and in reducing power (53%). According to the sensory evaluation, consumers were more appreciative of the quality attributes of the Rin-plant fruits which were highly rated by participants.