Nondestructive Volume Estimation for Growth Analysis of Eastern-type Muskmelon Ovaries

Abstract

Fruit volume is important for studies of growth and development of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) in relation to environmental factors and management practices. Volumes measured by water displacement are precise. However, this method is time-consuming, possibly damaging for the ovaries due to repeated measures over time, and impractical, particularly for measuring many ovaries under field conditions. A nondestructive method was adapted to precisely and rapidly evaluate ovary volume at various phenological stages. This method could be used to study growth and development of eastern-type muskmelon ovaries from anthesis to fruit maturity. Fruit volume of muskmelon has been estimated from their equatorial diameter by a 4th order polynomial regression (McGlasson and Pratt, 1963) or from their polar and equatorial diameters taking into account fruit geometry (Currence et al., 1944). McGlasson and Pratt’s equation was developed for fruit within a diameter range of 2.8 to 14.7 cm and cannot be used outside this range. Although Currence et al. (1944) developed their formula from fruit ranging from 8 to 20 cm in diameter and 9 to 23 cm in length, these authors took into account the departure of the shape of the fruit from a sphere or an ellipsoid and used a wide