Cantaloupe Cultivars Research Articles

Nondestructive assessment of maturity in cantaloupe using Raman spectroscopy with carotenoids as biomarkers

Currently, there is no reliable, non-destructive way to assess the maturity of cantaloupes (Cucumis melo L.). Here, we investigated the extent to which Raman spectroscopy can be used to determine cantaloupe maturity. Five cantaloupe cultivars were grown and harvested at 13, 26, and 39 days after anthesis. Raman spectra from cantaloupes were acquired and partial least-square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to predict maturity based on the collected spectra. The PLS-DA model predicted maturity with up to 100 % accuracy in the cultivars studied. HPLC analysis of lutein and β-carotene in cantaloupe rind showed an increase in the concentration of carotenoids with maturity. The same trend was observed in the vibrational bands originating from carotenoids in the acquired Raman spectra. Based on this, Raman spectroscopy can primarily detect the changes of carotenoids in different cultivars of cantaloupe rind, which can be used for non-invasive and non-destructive assessment of fruit maturity.

Natural Antioxidant Potential of Melon Peels for Fortified Foods.

Agricultural and food waste recycling reduces natural resource losses, contributing significantly to the development of new green markets through the creation of redesigned products. In order to cycle valuable molecules, the peels from Italian cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) cultivars were studied and successfully characterized for high-added biomolecules to verify their possible exploitation as wealthy biomasses. Peels were investigated for their cell wall-modifying and browning enzymes, as well as for total polyphenols, ortho-diphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and antioxidant properties. The results of the analyses displayed great promise in one of the three cultivars investigated. Later on, a preliminary study using the best peel extract as a dietary supplement was carried out by preparing fortified seawater to enhance its antioxidant power. The effects of storage time (60 days) were examined at two temperatures through the determination of the stability of the polyphenol content. The kinetic parameters of degradation were also calculated. The "enriched sea water" retained great antioxidant activity in refrigerated conditions, demonstrating that there is good potential for melon by-products to add their natural compounds for food fortification. These findings may provide valuable data for scale-up, from the lab to the pilot or industrial application.

Multi-location evaluation of cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) cultivars for their aroma and flavor related volatile composition using a metabolomics approach

Fruit flavor is a key quality trait associated with consumer preference for muskmelons (Cucumis melo L.) A wide range of aroma compounds play a key role in the flavor profiles of different melon cultivars. This study evaluated VOC profiles of nine cantaloupe cultivars grown in different locations (Texas, Arizona, Georgia, California, North Carolina and Indiana) across the United States during the spring production season (2018). Two consumer-preferred commercial cultivars were purchased and considered as control fruits for comparison. Significant variation in VOC contents was observed among the cultivars and growing locations. The highest and lowest total volatiles were detected in F-39 from GA and TT-DV from TX, respectively. Ketones such as geranylacetone, β-ionone, β-ionone epoxide, and dihydroactinidiolide were the major VOCs in all the cultivars. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Random forest analysis revealed significant clustering among the cultivars based on growing location demonstrating that suitable cantaloupe cultivars for different growing regions can be selected base on this important consumer-preference quality trait.

Resistance in Certain Cantaloupe <I>Cucumis Melo</I> L. Cultivars to Some Sap Sucking Pests in Egypt

Field and laboratory studies were oriented to evaluate the relative resistance of three cantaloupe cultivars; Tenorio RZ, 62, and Ideal to some sap sucking pest; whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn), onion thrips, Thrips tabaci L, aphid, Aphis gossypii (Glover) and two spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch. The results showed that the total number of pests were the highest on Tenorio RZ cultivar and the least on Ideal during two seasons. Ideal cultivar had the highest levels of alkaloids and phenolics compound, while terpene compounds was undetectable. Also, the results showed that Tenorio RZ cultivar was having the lowest least levels of secondary metabolites. During summer, numbers of sucking pests were the least on Ideal. Results showed also that the levels of plant secondary metabolites tend to decrease pest population levels.

Effect of Grafting Compatibility on Fruit Yield and Quality of Cantaloupe in a Mediterranean-Type Climate

Grafting is effectively used worldwide to overcome abiotic and biotic factors impacting yield, including soil temperature. Field studies were conducted in 2020 and 2021 in a cool Mediterranean climate (average daily air temperature range of 12.8–17.1 °C) to identify suitable rootstock combinations for grafted cantaloupe (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus) and evaluate fruit yield and quality. Cantaloupe cultivars Sugar Rush (SR), Goddess (G), and Athena (A) were compatible with interspecific hybrid squash (Cucurbita maxima × C. moschata) rootstock cultivars Super Shintosa (SS) and Carnivor (CN) but were incompatible with ‘Carolina Strongback (CS)’ (Citrullus amarus) and ‘Pelop (P)’ (Lagenaria siceraria) rootstocks. Nongrafted cultivars exhibited vine decline at harvest in 2020 but not in 2021, and grafting tended to delay harvest by 15–18 days. Overall, while grafting with interspecific hybrid squash rootstocks may have delayed fruit harvest, fruit quality was not compromised. Further, yield was increased for ‘Goddess’ and ‘Athena’, but not ‘Sugar Rush’. ‘A/CN’ had the highest fruit yield/ha and number per plant. The grafted treatments of each cantaloupe cultivar with interspecific hybrid squash rootstocks met the U.S. fancy grade criteria.

Cultivar and Postharvest Storage Duration Influence Fruit Quality, Nutritional and Phytochemical Profiles of Soilless-Grown Cantaloupe and Honeydew Melons.

There is an increasing demand for sweet melon (Cucumis melo L.) fruit in fruit and vegetable markets due to its nutritional content, resulting in different cultivars being grown in different production systems. This study evaluated the nutritional and phytochemical contents of soilless-grown cantaloupe and honeydew sweet melon cultivars at harvest and postharvest. At harvest, vitamin C and β-carotene concentrations were higher in orange-fleshed (cantaloupe) cvs. Magritte, Divine, Majestic, Cyclone, MAB 79001, E25F.00185, E25F.00075 and Adore, compared to green-fleshed (honeydew) cvs. Honey Brew and Honey Star. The zinc (Zn), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) contents were higher in orange-fleshed compared to green-fleshed cultivars. Total phenolics content (TPC) in cv. E25F.00075 was the highest (2.87 mg GAE∙g−1 dry weight). A significant, positive, correlation occurred between β-carotene and Zn, P, K, Ca and Mg contents. Postharvest storage duration affected TPC and total soluble solid content. The interaction of cultivar and postharvest storage duration affected flavonoid, vitamin C and β-carotene contents, free radical scavenging activity and fruit juice pH. Vitamin C and β-carotene contents decreased with increased postharvest storage duration while flavonoid content increased. The cantaloupe cultivars performed significantly better compared to the honeydew cultivars as evident in their high mineral element content, and vitamin C and β-carotene concentrations. Selection of appropriate cultivars in a production system should consider variation in nutritional traits of cultivars and postharvest storage duration. Soilless production of sweet melon cultivars in tunnels offers a viable alternative to open field to produce high-quality melons at harvest and postharvest.

Sensory Properties and Consumer Acceptance of Cantaloupe Melon Cultivars.

This research measured the sensory characteristics and consumer acceptance of 15 cultivars of cantaloupe. Eleven trained panelists assessed melons by descriptive analysis. Northern California consumers (n = 171) evaluated the melons for overall, appearance, flavor, and texture liking on the 9-point hedonic scale and the adequacy of ripeness, sweetness, and firmness on a 5-point just-about-right (JAR) scale. Twenty-two sensory attributes differed significantly among the melons. CaldeoDF, Caldeo, Globstar, RML0499, and Caribbean Gold showed higher firmness, crunchiness, and denser textures. Impac presented higher watermelon flavor, bitterness, and sourness. Caldeo, CaldeoDF, Globstar, Magellan, and Sol Real had higher overall intensity, sweetness and oversweet flavor, longer-lasting aftertaste, and salivating mouthfeel. Consumers liked Magellan, Acclaim, and Primo most, and Aphrodite and Impac least, and the harvesting period was not critical to consumer acceptance. Sweet, oversweet flavor, and intense orange and richness of color were drivers of overall liking. Preference clustering identified three groups of consumers with distinct sensory preferences and favorite cultivars. JAR data showed Acclaim, Magellan, Primo, and Saguaro were just right for ripeness and so was Acclaim for firmness. All melons were judged not sweet enough. Growers and distributors could use the information from this research to improve the quality and appeal of the cantaloupe melon offering in the United States. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: We profiled the sensory attributes and measured consumer liking of 15 cantaloupe cultivars. Our findings should benefit producers and consumers equally as they identified those cultivars with the most promising sensory traits and they uncovered preference segments among a population of Northern California consumers as well as drivers of liking for those segments.

Consumer preference and physicochemical evaluation of organically grown melons

Challenges in cultivar selection and availability has inhibited the expansion of the organic melon market. This study evaluated the sensory and physicochemical properties of four organically grown melon cultivars over a two-year period at three growing locations; two honeydew cultivars: ‘Dulce Nectar’ and ‘Jaune’, and two cantaloupe cultivars: ‘Athena’ and ‘Sivan’. Trained and consumer panels evaluated 17 sensory attributes, including appearance, texture, flavor, and overall acceptance. Physicochemical measurements included flesh color, texture, pH, soluble solids content (SSC), and titratable acidity (TA). Results showed that ‘Sivan’ and ‘Athena’ were preferred by panelists for their flavor and overall eating quality; these cultivars also had relatively high SSC, high pH, and low TA. Conversely, ‘Jaune’ was the least preferred, with higher intensities of ‘veggie’ and ‘green’ flavors; this cultivar also had relatively low pH and high TA. Overall, ‘Sivan’ performed consistently better than all other cultivars both years, scoring highest in positive attributes, such as ‘sweetness’ and ‘juiciness’. This research can be used to support the organic melon industry in cultivar selection.

Delmopinol hydrochloride reduces Salmonella on cantaloupe surfaces.

Since the surfaces of cantaloupes are highly rough or irregular, bacteria can easily attach and become difficult to remove. Appropriate postharvest washing and sanitizing procedures can help control Salmonella and other pathogens on cantaloupe or other melons during postharvest operations. Delmopinol hydrochloride (delmopinol) is a cationic surfactant that is effective for treating and preventing gingivitis and periodontitis. The application of delmopinol to two cantaloupe cultivars was evaluated for reducing the level of inoculated Salmonella. Athena and Hale's Best Jumbo (HBJ) cantaloupe rind plugs (2.5 cm. dia.) were inoculated with nalidixic acid‐resistant Salmonella Michigan (approx. 1.0 × 109 CFU/ml). After 15 min, rind plugs were sprayed with 10 ml of a delmopinol spray solution (0% or 1.0% vol/vol) and held at 35°C for 1 hr or 24 hr. Rind plugs were diluted with Butterfield's phosphate buffer, shaken and sonicated, and solutions were enumerated on 50 ppm nalidixic acid‐tryptic soy agar. The texture quality and color of additional cantaloupes were evaluated, after 1% delmopinol spray treatment, over 14‐day storage at 4°C. A 1.0% application of delmopinol after 1 hr reduced Salmonella concentration by ~3.1 log CFU/ml for both “HBJ” skin rind plugs and “Athena” stem scar rind plugs in comparison to the control (p < .05). No differences were observed in the texture and color (L*, a*, b* values) of 1% delmopinol‐treated cantaloupes as compared to control. Storage of cantaloupes treated with 1.0% delmopinol solution for 1 hr had a greater effect on reducing concentration of Salmonella compared to 24‐hr treatment. A surface spray application of 1% delmopinol on cantaloupes could be an alternative antimicrobial postharvest treatment that could make surface bacteria more susceptible to sanitizers or physical removal.

Genetic analysis of yield and fruit traits in cantaloupe cultivars

AbstractThe purpose of this research was to evaluate the combining ability of six local Iranian and one imported cantaloupe cultivar. Heritability of traits was estimated using a half‐diallel mating design. Seven parents and their crosses were evaluated in 2013 and 2014. The greatest general combining ability (GCA) for yield and fruit number was for “Rish‐baba” (0.53 kg/plant and 0.3, respectively). The cultivar “Ananasi” had the highest GCA for fruit weight and soluble solids content (SSC) (0.088 kg and 1.4, respectively). “Ananasi” presented the highest GCA values for fruit firmness, chlorophyll a and b and carotenoid content, as well as the highest total chlorophyll content. The cross Garmak × Rish‐baba showed the highest specific combining ability (SCA) for yield with heterosis value of 99%. High heritability estimates for SSC (0.52), flesh thickness (0.61) and concentration of chlorophyll a (0.7) were obtained. Although there were significant SCAs for yield, the parents are suggested to be improved prior to hybrid development. The parent “Ananasi” appears to be a suitable donor in breeding programmes.

Internalization of Listeria monocytogenes in cantaloupes during dump tank washing and hydrocooling

Recent listeriosis outbreaks and recalls associated with cantaloupes urge for studies to understand the mechanisms of cantaloupe contamination by Listeria monocytogenes. Postharvest practices such as washing and hydrocooling were suggested to facilitate the contamination of fresh fruits by human pathogens. This study assessed the potential of L. monocytogenes internalization into cantaloupes during dump tank washing and immersion-type hydrocooling in water contaminated with L. monocytogenes. The effect of cantaloupe cultivar, water temperature, and harvesting technique on L. monocytogenes internalization was also evaluated. Full slip (cantaloupe without any residual stem) Western and Eastern cultivar cantaloupes were pre-warmed to 42°C (to imitate peak-high field temperatures of freshly harvested cantaloupes) and then immersed in water at 6°C and 18°C containing 4 and 6logCFU/ml of L. monocytogenes. Clipped (cantaloupe with short stem residues obtained by clipping the stem at harvest) Western and Eastern cantaloupes were pre-warmed to 42°C and then immersed in water at 6°C containing 6logCFU/ml of L. monocytogenes. Additionally, full slip and clipped Western cantaloupes were equilibrated to 18°C and then immersed in water at 18°C containing 6logCFU/ml of L. monocytogenes (isothermal immersion without temperature differential). Water containing L. monocytogenes infiltrated both full slip and clipped cantaloupes through the stems/stem scars and was then distributed along the vascular system in hypodermal mesocarp reaching the calyx area of the fruit. The current study demonstrated that, under experimental conditions, L. monocytogenes can internalize into cantaloupes during immersion in water contaminated by L. monocytogenes, both in the presence and absence of temperature differential, and that temperature differential moderately enhanced the internalization of L. monocytogenes. The incidence and levels of L. monocytogenes internalized in the middle-mesocarp were significantly affected by harvesting technique but not by cantaloupe cultivar.

Survival and Growth of Listeria monocytogenes on Fresh-Cut “Athena” and “Rocky Ford” Cantaloupes During Storage at 4°C and 10°C

Cantaloupes, marketed as "Rocky Ford," were implicated in the U.S. multistate outbreak of listeriosis in 2011, which caused multiple fatalities. Listeria monocytogenes can survive on whole cantaloupes and can be transferred to the flesh of melons. The growth of L. monocytogenes on fresh-cut "Athena" and "Rocky Ford" cantaloupe cultivars during refrigerated storage was evaluated. Fresh-cut cubes (16.4 cm3) from field-grown cantaloupes were each inoculated with 5 log10 CFU/mL of a multi-strain mixture of L. monocytogenes and stored at 4°C or 10°C. Inoculated fresh-cut cubes were also: (1) continuously stored at 4°C for 3 days; (2) temperature-abused (TA: 25°C for 4 h) on day 0; or (3) stored at 4°C for 24 h, exposed to TA on day 1, and subsequently stored at 4°C until day 3. L. monocytogenes populations on fresh-cut melons continuously stored at 4°C or 10°C were enumerated on selected days for up to 15 days and after each TA event. Brix values for each cantaloupe variety were determined. L. monocytogenes populations on fresh-cut cantaloupe cubes stored at 4°C increased by 1.0 and 3.0 log10 CFU/cube by day 7 and 15, respectively, whereas those stored at 10°C increased by 3.0 log10 CFU/cube by day 7. Populations of L. monocytogenes on fresh-cut cantaloupes stored at 10°C were significantly (p < 0.05) greater than those stored at 4°C during the study. L. monocytogenes showed similar growth on fresh-cut "Athena" and "Rocky Ford" cubes, even though "Athena" cubes had significantly higher Brix values than the "Rocky Ford" fruit. L. monocytogenes populations on fresh-cut cantaloupes exposed to TA on day 1 and then refrigerated were significantly greater (0.74 log10 CFU) than those stored continuously at 4°C for 3 days. Storage at 10°C or exposure to TA events promoted growth of L. monocytogenes on fresh-cut cantaloupe during refrigerated storage.

Survival and growth of Listeria monocytogenes on whole cantaloupes is dependent on site of contamination and storage temperature

Whole cantaloupes (Cucumis melo L.), marketed as ‘Rocky Ford’, were implicated in a large multi-state outbreak of listeriosis in the United States in 2011; however, survival and growth of Listeria monocytogenes on whole cantaloupes remains relatively unexplored. The research presented here evaluated three different storage temperatures, two sites of contamination of cantaloupes, and two cantaloupe varieties to determine their effect on the survival of L. monocytogenes. ‘Athena’ and ‘Rocky Ford’ cantaloupe cultivars were grown in soil and harvested, and individual melons subsequently received a multi-strain inoculum of L. monocytogenes (6 log CFU/melon), which were then stored at 4°C, 10°C, and 25°C. Changes in L. monocytogenes populations on the rinds and stem scars of cantaloupes stored at each temperature were determined at selected times for up to 15days. An analysis of variance revealed that inoculation site and storage temperature significantly affected survival of L. monocytogenes on cantaloupes during storage (p<0.05), but cultivar did not influence L. monocytogenes (p>0.05). Populations of L. monocytogenes on stem scars of cantaloupes stored at 25°C increased by 1–2 log CFU/melon on day 1, and were significantly greater than those on cantaloupes stored at 4°C or 10°C (p<0.05), which remained constant or increased by approximately 0.3 log CFU/melon, respectively, over the same time period. A decrease of 2–5 log CFU/melon of L. monocytogenes occurred on the rinds of cantaloupes during storage by day 7, and were not significantly different at the three different storage temperatures (p>0.05). In trials performed in rind juice extracts, populations of L. monocytogenes decreased by 3 log CFU/mL when stored at 25°C by day 3, but grew by 3–4 log CFU/mL when stored at 4°C over 7days. Overall, site of contamination and storage temperature influenced the survival of L. monocytogenes on cantaloupes more than cantaloupe cultivar type.

THE SUSCEPTIBILITY OF CERTAIN CANTALOUPE CULTIVARS TO DIFFERENT THREE PESTS INFESTAION IN QUALYOBIA GOVERNORATE, EGYPT

Field and laboratory studies were carried out during two successive summer seasons in order to study the susceptibility of the different tested cantaloupe cultivars namely (Ideal, E81-065, Mirella ,Vicar, E81-013 and Magenta) to infestation by Thrips tabaci, Bemisia tabaci and Tetranychus urticae. Field studies were carried out during the two consecutive growing seasons (2006 and 2007). There were significant differences in the susceptibility of cantaloupe cultivars to infestation by these pests. These mentioned that, E81-065 and Magenta cultivars were the lowest infested ones by these pests. On the other hand, Mirella variety was the highest infested cultivar. To give a spot light on the reason of the differences in the susceptibility of the tested cantaloupe cultivars, chemical analysis of the dried leaves were carried out during growing season of 2007. Chemical analysis of infested leaves showed correlation between certain phytochemical components (organic and inorganic compounds); reduced, non-reduced and total sugars, potassium, total protein, carbohydrate, and phosphorous as well as moisture content and population density of T. tabaci, B. tabaci and T. urticae.

Fatty acid composition and antioxidant activity of oils from two cultivars of Cantaloupe extracted by supercritical fluid extraction

The effect of supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) fractionation of three oil fractions (1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd fraction) on the fatty acid composition and antioxidant activity of oils from two cultivars of cantaloupe were investigated. Rock melon oil (RMO) and Golden Langkawi oil (GLO) were extracted using SFE and the major fatty acids for both cultivars were linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acid. The SFA decreased from 15.78 to 14.14% in RMO 1 st fraction, and MUFA decreased from 18.30 to 16.56% in RMO 2 nd fraction, while PUFA increased from 65.9 to 69.30% in RMO 3 rd fraction. On the other hand SFA decreased from 16.35 to 13.91% in GLO 1 st fraction, and MUFA decreased from 17.50 to 15.57% in GLO 2 nd fraction, while PUFA increased from 66.15 to 70.52% in GLO 3 rd fraction. The different fractions of the two oils showed high antioxidant activity in reducing the oxidation of β-carotene in beta-carotene bleaching assay (BCB) and the quenching of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH).

Physical Properties and Compositional Changes of two Cultivars of Cantaloupe Fruit During Various Maturity Stages

Some physical properties and chemical compositions of two cultivars (Semsouri and Shahabadi) of cantaloupe studied during four different stages of maturity from fruit set to completely ripe. The physical properties investigated were the geometric mean diameter (GMD), specific gravity (SG), mean firmness (MF), rind, seed (%) and flesh (%). The chemical compositions were Brix, Titrable Acidity (TA), moisture content, pH, and ash. The results showed that the GMD, flesh (%), Brix, and pH values of both cultivars increased in the full-ripe stage of maturity whereas there was concurrent decrease in SG, rind (%), seed (%), moisture content, TA, and ash values obtained in the same period. There were also significant differences (using GLM-multivariate analysis) in all measured variables apart from ash, seed (%), rind (%), and flesh (%) between the two cultivars. Overall, the linear relationships were obtained between sugar content and GMD, SG, and MF respectively, correlation coefficients being higher than 0.87.

Dielectric Spectroscopy of Melons for Potential Quality Sensing

Several cultivars of cantaloupe, honeydew melons, and watermelons were planted and harvested with a range of maturities for dielectric properties measurements and moisture and soluble solids content (SSC) determination. Permittivities (dielectric constants and dielectric loss factors) were determined over the frequency range from 200 MHz to 20 GHz with an open-ended coaxial-line probe and network analyzer for both interior tissue and surface measurements. Permittivity data are presented graphically for all three types of melons. High correlations were noted between SSC and moisture content in the tissues of all three kinds of melons, with SSC increasing linearly with decreasing moisture content of the edible tissues. Dielectric properties determined by measurements on the external surface of the melons had lower values than those of the internal tissues. Dielectric properties were similar for all three melon types, and they reflect the influence of the dielectric behavior of free water. No obvious correlations were noted between the dielectric properties and the SSC (sweetness) for sensing the quality of the melons.

Induction of RNA-mediated Resistance to Papaya Ringspot Virus Type W

Transformation of cantaloupes with the coat protein (cp) gene of papaya ringspot virus type W (PRSV-W), Thai isolate, was used to introduce virus resistance. Binary vectors containing either the full length coat protein coding region under control of the 35S CaMV promoter(pSA1175), or the inverted-repeat of a coat protein coding region (pSA1304), were constructed and used for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of cotyledonary explants of the cantaloupe cultivar Sun Lady. Four independent transgenic lines were obtained using pSA1304 and one using pSA1175. Integration of the PRSV-W cp gene into the genome of these transgenic lines was verified by PCR amplification, GUS assays and Southern blot hybridization. In vitro inoculation of these lines with PRSV-W revealed that whereas the line containing pSA1175 remained sensitive, the four lines containing pSA1304 were resistant. The presence of small RNA species, presumably siRNA, corresponding to regions of the viral cp gene in transgenic lines resistant to PRSV-W supports the involvement of post-transcriptional gene silencing in the establishment of resistance.

Effect of Cutting and Storage on Acetate and Nonacetate Esters in Convenient, Ready-to-eat Fresh-cut Melons and Apples

Examples from various harvest regimes, storage regimes, cultivars and different packaging methods are presented to characterize volatile ester differences after cutting and how changes occur in characteristic flavors throughout the postharvest life of certain cut fruit products. In many fresh-cut cantaloupe cultivars and in honeydew, there was a relative increase in nonacetates and coinciding relative decrease in acetates during storage. A similar and consistent nonacetate:acetate ester ratio was conserved in cantaloupe from eastern and western U.S. regions, as well as different cultivars from the same field. Furthermore, similar ratios were observed in many melon cultivars over multiple years from different seasons and growing regions. Since many cultivars exhibited similar trends in 2-year repeated studies, the trend is apparently independent of year and season. Fresh-cut `Gala' apples, on the other hand, displayed a slightly different trend whereby both acetates and nonacetate esters decreased appreciably during storage. The hypothesis is put forward that recycling of esters during storage in certain fresh-cut fruits disturbs the delicate fine balance of characteristic volatiles. Consistently decreasing acetates along with increasing nonacetates could alter the overall perceived desirable flavor attributes during fresh-cut melon storage, even though volatile esters are still abundant.

Within-Season Volatile and Quality Differences in Stored Fresh-Cut Cantaloupe Cultivars

Cantaloupe cultivar variability from various U.S. regions and growing seasons within a given year was evaluated. As expected, there was often considerable quality and volatile variation among cultivars. Eight of 11 cultivars met the standard U.S. No. 1 requirement for degrees Brix (> or =9), and in most cultivars, degrees Brix declined during fresh-cut storage at 4 degrees C. Hunter L (loss of lightness color value) and a (decline of typical orange hue) colors also generally declined during storage in most cultivars. Volatile ester compounds generally decreased during fresh-cut storage or exhibited a transient increase before declining after 5-7 days of storage. The relative percentage of acetate esters declined during storage in all cultivars, and declines were accompanied by simultaneous non-acetate ester increases. Slight imbalances in compound concentrations may alter the overall perception of desirable, typical "cantaloupe" aroma/flavor during fresh-cut storage. Upsetting the unique aroma balance through storage may negatively affect flavor and the consumer's perception of desirable attributes, even though total volatile levels might not decrease substantially until after 5-7 days in storage. Subtle volatile and quality decreases are likely to be exacerbated with immature-harvested cantaloupe and are likely in out-of-season exports that have likewise been harvested at less mature stages. Altogether, this study indicates the difficulty in procuring cantaloupes of consistent quality from local producers, in a given year, for domestically grown fruit.