Cucumis Melo Var Research Articles

Cucumis melo var agrestis based activated carbon/manganese ammonium phosphate @ carbon hollow sphere in dual redox additives for supercapattery device

AbstractThe electrochemical performance of manganese ammonium phosphate (MnAP) intercalated carbon hollow sphere (CS) at four mass variates has been investigated. The XRD, Raman, SEM, and electrochemical studies reveal that only 50 mg of CS strongly intercalating with MnAP (MnAP@CS2) is observed. The half‐cell test has shown the profound pseudocapacitance for 50 mg intercalated MnAP@CS2 hybrid composite (2545 C g−1 @ 1 A g−1 in KI added 2 M H2SO4) and confirms the imminence of optimal mass concentration of CS with MnAP and the effect of KI redox additive towards enhancing the specific capacity. The supercapattery hybrid device (SBHD) using MnAP@CS2 as the positive electrode and as newly synthesized activated carbon (AC) derived from cucumis melo var agrestis as a negative electrode is examined in pure 3 M H2SO4 and in 0.025 M KI/VOSO4 dual redox additive added 3 M H2SO4. The exquisite complacency requisite on specific capacitance (536 C g−1/149 mAh g−1 @ 1 A g−1 @ 20 A g−1), energy density (80 Wh g−1), and capacity retention (89% for 5000 charge‐discharge cycles) have profusely advocating MnAP@CS2 and AC for SBH device applications.

Targeted modification of CmACO1 by CRISPR/Cas9 extends the shelf-life of Cucumis melo var. reticulatus melon.

The gaseous plant hormone ethylene is a regulator of fruit shelf-life, one of the essential traits in fruits. Extending fruit shelf-life reduces food loss, thereby expected to contribute to food security. The enzyme 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid oxidase (ACO) is the final step of the ethylene production pathway. Its suppression via antisense technology has been demonstrated to extend the shelf-life of melon, apple, and papaya. Genome editing technology is an innovative technique for plant breeding. Because the genome editing technology would not leave the exogenous genes in the final crop products, the crops via genome editing can be considered non-genetically modified yields; compared to conventional breeding, such as mutation breeding, the breeding term would be expected to be relatively short. These points include the advantage of this technique in utilization for commercial applications. We attempted to extend the shelf-life of the Japanese luxury melon (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus, 'Harukei-3') via modification of the ethylene synthesis pathway with the genome editing technology, CRISPR/Cas9 system. The Melonet-DB (https://melonet-db.dna.affrc.go.jp/ap/top) showed that the melon genome had the five CmACOs and the gene CmACO1 predominantly expressed in harvested fruits. From this information, CmACO1 was expected to be a key gene for shelf-life in melons. Based on this information, the CmACO1 was selected as the target of the CRISPR/Cas9 system and introduced the mutation. The final product of this melon did not have any exogenous genes. The mutation was inherited for at least two generations. In the T2 generation, the fruit phenotypes 14days after harvest were as follows: ethylene production was reduced to one-tenth that of the wild type, pericarp colour remained green, and higher fruit firmness. Early fermentation of the fresh fruit was observed in the wild-type fruit but not in the mutant. These results show that CmACO1 knockout via CRISPR/Cas9 extended the melon's shelf-life. Moreover, our results suggest that genome editing technology would reduce food loss and contribute to food security.

Effective Phytosanitary Treatment for Export of Oriental Melons (Cucumis melo var L.) Using Ethyl Formate and Modified Atmosphere Packaging to Control Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae).

Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), commonly known as greenhouse whitefly, is one of the main insect pests of Oriental melon (Cucumis melo var L.) in South Korea. T. vaporariorum is of concern as a quarantine pest for the exportation of C. melo in Southeast Asian countries. Due to future restrictions on the use of methyl bromide (MB) during quarantine, ethyl formate (EF) represents a potential alternative. In this study, we evaluated EF for its efficacy (probit-9 values) in enabling the export of Oriental melons. The probit-9 value of EF for controlling T. vaporariorum was 3.02 g·h/m3 after 2 h of fumigation. We also assessed the phytotoxicity of EF on melons when using modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) under low-temperature conditions, which is required for export and trade, to extend shelf-life. In scaled-up trials, we found 8 g/m3 EF for 2 h at 5 °C to be suitable as a new phytosanitary treatment against greenhouse whitefly for exported Oriental melons when using MAP. No phytotoxic damage was found 28 d after fumigation at 5 °C in terms of five quality parameters (firmness, sugar content, mass loss, color change, and external damage).

Studying the Effect of Field Capacity on Some Growth Indicators for A Number of Local Genotypes of Snake Melon(Cucumis melo var. flexuosus, Faqqous)

Due to global water scarcity, this experiment was conducted to search for genotypes that are widely cultivated locally to resist water stress in the autumn season 2021, and 24 genotypes were used, and two field capacities were 100% and 30%, A factorial experiment was carried out according to the RCBD design, and the results showed through the study that there are genotypes planted in different regions of Iraq that have withstood water stress V12 (Najaf province in Abu Hadari area) and V14 (Babylon province in Al-Sardeeb / Al-Nile _ Hilla area)and V23 (Cucumber seeds Turkish variety from BURSA TOHUM) by not being affected by all studied indicators of field capacity 30% compared to field capacity 100%, so these genotypes can be grown under water stress conditions.

Fosthiazate inhibits root-knot disease and alters rhizosphere microbiome of Cucumis melo var. saccharinus.

Root-knot nematodes especially Meloidogyne spp. are considered as most destructive obligate parasites that substantially reduce crop yield and quality. Fosthiazate is an efficient organothiophosphate chemical with nematicidal activity against Meloidogyne spp. The present study aimed to analyze the efficacy of fosthiazate against root-knot disease in Cucumis melo var. saccharinus and its potential effects on rhizosphere microbiome and metabolites. The fosthiazate (40%) was applied two times by spraying on the day of transplanting and during the pollination period (after 31 days). Samples from treatment (fosthiazate 40%: MF) and control groups (untreated plants; MCK) were analysed through metagenomic and metabolomic profiling of rhizospheres. Results revealed that root-knot index of the MF group (9.26 ± 1.28) was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the MCK group (22.06 ± 0.71) with a control effect of 57.85% after 31 days of the first spray, whereas fosthiazate efficacy reduced to 31.87% after 38 days of second application with significantly (p < 0.05) different root-knot index values (MF: 56 ± 1.43 and; MCK: 82.26 ± 3.87). However, Cucumis melo var. saccharinus fruit yield in both groups (MCK: 21.1 ± 0.9 and MF: 21.53 ± 0.85) showed no differences (p > 0.05). Metagenomic profiling revealed Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, and Firmicutes as predominant phyla and Bacillus, Sphingomonas, and Acidibacter as predominant genera in rhizosphere soil samples of both MF and MCK groups. Further, a t-test revealed higher differential enrichment of Firmicutes at phylum level and Bacillus at genus level in MF than MCK. Metabolomic profiling of rhizospheric soil revealed a total of six differential metabolites (p < 0.05), four of them (Sucrose, Hexaonic acid 1, (Z)-9-Octadecenamide 1, and Hexadecanamide) were up-regulated in MF group, whereas two of them (2,3,4-Trihydroxy-3-(Hydroxymethyl) Butanol and Sulfurous acid, 2, ethylhexylundecyl ester) were down-regulated in CK group. Our study concluded that fosthiazate exhibits a better control over the rook-knot disease in the short term and resulted in trackable changes in rhizosphere microbiome and metabolome.

Investigation of edible coatings on the physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics of processed melons during storage

The possible use of chitosan coating on fresh-cut melons (Cucumis melo var. Cantalupensis) was investigated in this research topic. Manually sliced melons were treated with solutions of 10 g/kg chitosan and 10 g/kg chitosan with calcium lactate and then stored at 4°C for 8 days. Physical, physicochemical, microbiological and sensory properties of the samples were monitored during the storage period. It was found that chitosan coatings inhibited the growth of microorganisms and affected significantly and positively the storage time of the products. Changes in the sensory qualities of taste were evaluated. A chitosan coating retarded water loss and the drop in sensory quality, increasing the soluble solid content and titratable acidity. The data revealed that applying a chitosan coating preserved effectively the quality and extended the shelf life of fresh-cut melons.

Tendril Anatomy: A Tool for Correct Identification among Cucurbitaceous Taxa.

This research examined the histological micro-structure of tendril vasculature in cucurbitaceous taxa. In this research, the tendril anatomy of 17 taxa of Cucurbitaceae categorized into seven genera, including Cucumis (five species), Cucurbita and Luffa (three species each), Citrullus and Momordica (two species each) while Lagenaria and Praecitrullus (one species each), collected from different areas of the Thal desert were examined via microscopic imaging to explore its taxonomic significance. Tendril transverse sections were cut with a Shandon Microtome to prepare slides. The distinctive characteristics of taxonomic value (qualitative and quantitative) include tendril and vascular bundle shape, variation in the number of vascular bundles, tendril diameter length, layers of sclerenchyma, and shape of collenchyma and epidermal cells. Tendril shapes observed are irregular, slightly oval-shaped, slightly C shaped, angular (4-angled, 6-angled, or polygonal), and star shaped. Quantitative measurements were taken to analyze the data statistically using SPSS software. Cucurbita pepo had a maximum tendril diameter length of 656.1 µm and a minimum in Momordica balsamina of 123.05 µm. The highest number of vascular bundles (12) were noticed in Luffa acutangula var.amara. Angular type was prominent in collenchyma, and irregular shape was dominant in sclerenchyma cells. A maximum of seven to nine sclerenchyma layers were present in Lagenaria siceraria and a minimum of two or three layers in Cucumis melo subsp. agrestis, Cucumis melo var. flexuosus, and Cucumis melo var.cantalupensis. Epidermis cells also show great variations with a rectangular shape being dominant. Statistical UPGMA dendrogram clustering of tendril vasculature traits shows that histological sections studied with microscopic techniques can be used to identify species and will play a vital role in future taxonomic and phylogenic linkages.

Morphological and Physiological Responses of Grafted Melon Subjected to Fusarium Wilt and Water Stress

This study aimed to determine the effects of different rootstocks on crop water stress index (CWSI), some morphological and physiological parameters of grafted melon under soil-borne pathogen (Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.melonis) and water stress conditions. The study was carried out in Çumra District of Konya Province in Türkiye for two years. The main plots consisted of three different irrigation levels and the sub plots consisted of subjects with melon plants with different rootstocks. The experiment was carried out in a split-plot design with three replications. In the study, four different rootstocks; 1-Ungrafted, 2-Ferro, 3-Maximus and TZ 148 were used. Edalı F1 variety (Cucumis melo var. Edalı F1) was used as a scion in the experiment. Irrigation was done in the four vegetation periods (early vegetative, late vegetative, flowering-fruit setting and ripening) of plant. Irrigation consisted of issues to increase soil depth from 0-90 cm to field capacity (I100), 50% (I50) of soil available water field capacity and rainfed (I0). As a result of the experiment, while leaf water potential (LWP) and leaf relative water content (RWC) increased with the increase of irrigation water in both years, the chlorophyll content was higher in I100, stomatal conductance was the highest in I50 of irrigation water, while the increase in irrigation water decreased stomatal conductance. In terms of physiological parameters measured in the plant, chlorophyll content and RWC values in the first year, Ferro, TZ-148 and Maximus rootstock, respectively, in the second year, Maximus rootstock reached the best value stem diameter in both years. CWSI was also affected by the applications.

Assessment of Fruit Fly Infestation on Melon Manis Terengganu (Cucumis melo var. inodorus) at Different Fruit Ripening Stages

Cucumis melo var inodorus or known as Melon Manis Terengganu (MMT) is a new variety of rockmelon and has been developed and grown exclusively in Terengganu since 2015. However, pest infestations such as fruit flies have reduced melon production yields, and research on fruit flies is still poorly studied in this new variety. Therefore, this study was aimed to identify the fruit fly’s species infested MMT as well as to determine the infestation rate of fruit flies on MMT at different ripening stages. The infested MMT fruits were randomly collected for three consecutive weeks prior to harvest and each week was represented as unripe stage (Week 1), ripe stage (Week 2) and fully-ripe stage (Week 3). Each week, 10 fruit samples were brought to the laboratory and weighed individually before being placed in plastic containers. The fruits were reared until all larvae transformed into pupae for determination of infestation rates and emergence of adult fruit flies for species identification. A total of 232 of fruit flies adults emerged from 30 MMT fruit samples collected and all the flies were identified as Zeugodacus cucurbitae (previously known as Bactrocera cucurbitae). Unripe stage fruits recorded the highest infestation rate of fruit flies at 28.24 ± 18.58 pupae/kg and followed by ripe stage at 24.47 ± 8.17 pupae/kg. Whilst the fully-ripe stage had the lowest infestation rate of flies at 13.5 ± 5.07 pupae/kg. However, no significant difference (P&gt;0.05) of infestation rate was recorded among the different fruit stages. This study contributes new information on the fruit fly’s species that attack MMT and its infestation rate. Hence, these findings are expected to help better management of MMT fruit flies in the future.

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.

Edible Vitalmelon Fruit Extract Inhibits Adipogenesis and Ameliorates High-Fat Diet-Induced Obesity.

Conventional breeding of wild (Cucumis melo var. makuwa Makino (CM)) and cultivated (Cucumis melo var. reticulatus (CR)) melons is aimed at improving their biological traits. Here, we prepared a nontoxic, bioactive extract of vitalmelon (F1 hybrid) and evaluated its antiadipogenic and antiobesity effects in fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes and high-fat diet- (HFD-) induced obese C57BL/6 mice. In fully differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, the vitalmelon extract reduced the DMI- (dexamethasone, 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, and insulin-) induced increases in lipid droplet number and intracellular glucose and triglyceride levels. In addition, the extract inhibited 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation by downregulating PPAR-γ and target genes LPL, CD36, HMGCR, and L-FABP. To investigate the inhibitory effects of the vitalmelon extract on lipid metabolism, we measured serum lipid, hormone, and cytokine concentrations; lipolytic activity; lipid accumulation; and adipogenesis in HFD-fed mice treated with the extract. The HFD+vitalmelon-fed mice showed lower blood cholesterol, free fatty acid, sugar, leptin, and insulin concentrations but higher blood adiponectin concentrations than the HFD-fed mice. Moreover, the HFD+vitalmelon-fed mice showed lower abdominal fat levels, smaller fat cells, lower weight, and fewer lipid droplets in the liver tissue than the HFD-fed mice. Therefore, in HFD-fed mice, vitalmelon regulated lipid metabolism through PPAR-γ, highlighting its potential as a promising antiobesity functional food.

Multi-microscopy techniques combined with FT-IR spectroscopy reveals the histological and biochemical causes leading to fruit texture difference in oriental melon (Cucumis melo var. Makuwa Makino)

Multi-microscopy techniques and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy were used in this study to investigate the intrinsic causes leading to fruit texture difference between two cultivars of oriental melon ‘HDB’ (crisp) and ‘HPM’ (mealy). On the histological aspect, orderly arranged regular-shaped cells with tissue natural fracture pattern showed cell rupture in ‘HDB’ versus loosely arranged irregular-shaped cells with tissue natural fracture pattern showed cell-to-cell separation in ‘HPM’ of sarcocarp are histological causes for crisp and mealy fruit texture, respectively. On the biochemical aspect, FT-IR spectra (4000–850 cm−1) of sarcocarp tissue cell wall materials (CWM) happened a dramatic change at the mature stage in ‘HPM’, but not in ‘HDB’. Insightly, the lower de-methyl-esterified homogalacturonan (HG) abundance with higher water-soluble pectin (WSP) ratio and lower hemicellulose (HC) content contribute a poor intercellular adhesion in ‘HPM’ middle lamella (ML) at the mature stage compared to ‘HDB’.

Evaluation of postharvest shelf life of south Indian culinary melon (Cucumis melo var. acidulus) accessions

Culinary melon (Cucumis melo var. acidulus) also known as Mangalore melon is reported with extended shelf life of more than six months. A study was conducted to assess the variability in the fruit traits with shelf life for selected 52 accessions of culinary melon at room temperature. Fruits were hanged in the air tied with smooth plastic fiber and psuedostem banana fiber, hanged to the roof of a laboratory and observations were recorded on fruit weight loss, change in the color of rind and fruit decay. Significant variation in shelf life and rind color change was observed among the accessions during storage period. The correlation analysis revealed that shelf life had significant positive high association with weight loss during storage (0.602) followed by fruit weight (0.544), flesh thickness (0.401), fruit length (0.359), days to harvest (0.346), peduncle length (0.332) and fruit width (0.322). Twenty-six accessions exhibited shelf life of more than 150 days. Green rind fruits were less vulnerable for discoloration and decay. Among the accessions MS30, MS28, MS79, MS74, MS78, MS39, MS74 and MS6 were identified as promising accessions for shelf life with marginal weight loss, rind color change and fruit traits. Understanding of physiological and biochemical changes in fruits during storage period and identifying candidate genes for shelf life will help exploit this trait to improve the muskmelon.

Biodiesel Synthesis From Cucumis melo Var. agrestis Seed Oil: Toward Non-food Biomass Biorefineries

This study aims to examine the potential of non-edible seed oil (Cucumis melo var. agrestis), seed oil content 29.1%, FFA 0.64 (mg KOH/g) for biodiesel production via nano-catalyst. The catalyst was characterized using X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). The maximum biodiesel yield (93%) was attained under optimized conditions, i.e., 9:1 methanol to oil molar ratio, 2 wt% catalyst (MgO) at 60°C. The synthesized biodiesel yield was optimized through response surface technology via Box Behnken design (BBD). Biodiesel was characterized by advanced analytical techniques, including gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy, FTIR, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Fuel properties of synthesized biodiesel, including density (0.800 kg/L), K. viscosity @ 40°C (4.23 cSt), cloud point −12°C, pour point −7°C, sulfur content (0.0001%), flash point (73.5°C), total acid no (0.167 mg KOH/g) were found in lines with international standard of American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM). Cucumis melo var. agrestic seed oil and nano MgO catalyst appeared as economical, sustainable, and feasible candidates to overcome global energy glitches and environmental issues. The study findings involving unpalatable seed oil will be a promising step toward non-food biomass biorefinery.

A low concentration of exogenous salicylic acid enhances cold tolerance in Hami melons (Cucumis melo var. saccharinus) by modulating salicylic acid-response CmGST genes

Long-term cold storage of Hami melons (Cucumis melo var. saccharinus) induces severe chilling injuries, downgrading their storage quality. Three different concentrations (1, 3, and 9 mM) of exogenous salicylic acid (SA) were applied under cold stress conditions (0.5 ± 0.5 °C) to prolong the shelf-life of cold-sensitive ‘Golden Empress-308′ (GE-melon) Hami melons. Afterward, the phenotypic index, bioinformatics of CmGSTs, expression patterns of CmGSTs, endogenous SA content, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation were investigated. The phenotypic index indicated that low concentrations (1 and 3 mM) of SA ameliorated chilling injuries, whereas a high concentration of SA (9 mM) treatment adversely affected the GE-melons. The RT-qPCR analysis determined that SA treatment induced five out of seven CmGST-containing SA-response cis-elements. The content of endogenous SA was elevated by exogenous SA. Interestingly, both high and low levels of endogenous SA promoted chilling injuries in GE-melons under cold stress conditions. Furthermore, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation signaled that SA bound to the target CmGSTs in a stable conformation. In conclusion, administration of a low concentration of SA enhances cold tolerance in Hami melons by modulating the SA-responsive CmGSTs under cold stress conditions.

Fusarium annulatum causes Fusarium rot of cantaloupe melons in Spain

During the summer of 2018, there was high incidence of fruit rots of cantaloupe melons (Cucumis melo var. cantalupensis) in Murcia province, south-eastern Spain. The fruits showed development of whitish mycelium and pulp softening. Morphological and molecular analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1-α) and the second largest subunit of RNA polymerase (RPB2) genes confirmed Fusarium annulatum as the causal agent of the disease. A phylogenetic study indicated that F. annulatum is in the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC). Pathogenicity of the isolate was determined on healthy fruit verifying Koch’s postulates. The first symptoms of fruit rot were observed 3 d after inoculations at 28ºC. Fruit infections only occurred in artificially wounded melons, and F. annulatum was re-isolated from the wounds. This disease appeared after fruit harvesting, and could generate substantial economic losses mainly in fruit destined for foreign markets due to long transportation times. This is the first report of melon fruit rot caused by F. annulatum in Spain.

In vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Cucumis L. and Momordica L. against Human Pathogens

Plants are the rich source of compounds having antimicrobial properties against human pathogens. The present study has been carried out to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of Cucumis melo var. agrestis (morphotype I), Cucumis melo var. agrestis (morphotype II), Cucumis melo var. momordica L., Cucumis melo L., Momordica balsamina L., Momordica charantia L., Momordica dioica L. against Staphylococcus aureus,Pseudomonas flourescens, Bacillus coagulans, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Crude extract of Cucumis L. and Momordica L. species were prepared with methanol, acetone and water for the determination of antimicrobial properties. Maximum yield was reported in methanol extract while minimum in acetone for all plant species. The maximum zone of inhibition of about 32.3 ± 0.57 mm was found against Staphylococcus aureus in Cucumis melo L., 21.3 ± 0.57 mm for Pseudomonas flourescens in Cucumis melo var. agrestis (morphotype II), 17 ± 0 mm for Klebsiella pneumoniae in Momordica balsamina L., and 23.3 ± 0.57 mm for Bacillus coagulans in Cucumis melo var. agrestis (morphotype II) extracts, respectively. The most active antimicrobial plants species werereported to be Cucumis melo var. agrestis (morphotype I), Cucumis melo L. and Momordica charantia L. having antimicrobial activities against all tested microorganisms.

Identification of Key Gene Networks Controlling Soluble Sugar and Organic Acid Metabolism During Oriental Melon Fruit Development by Integrated Analysis of Metabolic and Transcriptomic Analyses.

Oriental melon (Cucumis melo var. acidulus) is one of the most economically important fruit crops worldwide. To elucidate the molecular basis related to soluble sugar and organic acid metabolism in the fruits of two oriental melon cultivars with different sweetness, we performed integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses of the fruits of ‘Tianbao’ (A) with high sweetness and ‘Xiaocuigua’ (B) with low sweetness at different ripening stages. The high accumulation of sucrose, D-glucose, D-(+)-raffinose, and the relatively lower citric acid and malic acid might contribute to the sweet taste of A. By screening the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and correlation analysis of the DEGs and differentially accumulated metabolites, we deduced that the B cultivar might promote the conversion of glucose and fructose into intermediate compounds for downstream processes such as glycolysis. The tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle might also be enhanced compared to A, thus resulting in the differential accumulation of soluble sugars and organic acids, ultimately causing the taste difference between the two oriental melon cultivars. Our finding provides important information for further exploring the metabolic mechanisms of soluble sugars and organic acids in oriental melon.

Optimization of enzymatic hydrolysis conditions of contalupe (Cucumis melo var cantalupensis) seed protein Concentrate to achieve maximum antioxidant activity

Optimization of enzymatic hydrolysis conditions of contalupe (Cucumis melo var cantalupensis) seed protein Concentrate to achieve maximum antioxidant activity

Comparative transcriptomic analysis of two Cucumis melo var. saccharinus germplasms differing in fruit physical and chemical characteristics

BackgroundHami melon (Cucumis melo var. saccharinus) is a popular fruit in China because of its excellent taste, which is largely determined by its physicochemical characteristics, including flesh texture, sugar content, aroma, and nutrient composition. However, the mechanisms by which these characteristics are regulated have not yet been determined. In this study, we monitored changes in the fruits of two germplasms that differed in physicochemical characteristics throughout the fruit development period.ResultsRipe fruit of the bred variety ‘Guimi’ had significantly higher soluble sugar contents than the fruit of the common variety ‘Yaolong.’ Additionally, differences in fruit shape and color between these two germplasms were observed during development. Comparative transcriptome analysis, conducted to identify regulators and pathways underlying the observed differences at corresponding stages of development, revealed a higher number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Guimi than in Yaolong. Moreover, most DEGs detected during early fruit development in Guimi were associated with cell wall biogenesis. Temporal analysis of the identified DEGs revealed similar trends in the enrichment of downregulated genes in both germplasms, although there were differences in the enrichment trends of upregulated genes. Further analyses revealed trends in differential changes in multiple genes involved in cell wall biogenesis and sugar metabolism during fruit ripening.ConclusionsWe identified several genes associated with the ripening of Hami melons, which will provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of fruit characteristics in these melons.