Melon Fruit Quality Research Articles

Melon fruit sugar and amino acid contents are affected by fruit setting method under protected cultivation

This study investigated the effect of different fruit setting methods on fruit quality of melon (Cucumis melo L.) under protected cultivation. The results showed that artificial and honey bee pollination decreased single fruit weight compared with 1-(2-chloro-4-pyridyl)-3-phenylurea (CPPU) treatment, whereas the lowest value was observed in artificial pollination. Artificial and honey bee pollination apparently increased sucrose content, and the increased activity of sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) was the key reason. In addition, total content of amino acids (17 kinds) were increased by 31% and 28% in artificial and honey bee-pollinated fruits compared with CPPU treatment, respectively. Honey bee pollination also improved single fruit weight and taste compared with artificial pollination. Therefore, we can conclude that artificial and honey bee pollination can improve the quality of melon fruits. In addition, honey bee can provide a better pollination service compared with artificial pollination for melons grown under protected cultivation systems.

Effects of Modified Installation Methods of Roof Ventilation Devices in the Single-span Plastic Greenhouses on Yield and Fruit Quality of Oriental Melon

Effects of Modified Installation Methods of Roof Ventilation Devices in the Single-span Plastic Greenhouses on Yield and Fruit Quality of Oriental Melon

Effects of Organic Materials on Growth, Yield, and Fruit Quality of Honeydew Melon

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to evaluate effects of spent mushroom substrate (SMS) and chicken manure compost (ChMC) on growth, yield, and fruit quality of honeydew melon and to determine the most suitable rate of SMS for honeydew melon production. Honeydew melon seedlings grown in four different rates of SMS were planted in the net house with two different organic material rates (M1, M2). The experiment was arranged in a split-plot design. The results showed that increasing of organic materials in the net house increased growth, yield, and quality of honeydew melon, due to enhancing of pH, organic matter (OM,) and the nutrient concentrations in the soil. However, growing media with 40 % SMS + 60 % ChMC in the nursery period and the rate of 10 tons SMS + 10 tons ChMC ha−1 in the net house period gave the best yield and fruit quality of honeydew melon.

Influence of phosphorus management on melon (Cucumis melo L.) fruit quality.

At harvest time, melon quality is related to internal and external parameters, which are very important for consumer attractiveness and marketable yield. Several agronomic factors can affect the quality of melon fruits and among them mineral availability may play a significant role. Therefore the aim of the work was to investigate the effect of phosphorus fertigation on melon fruit (Cucumis melo L.) qualitative characteristics, such as fruit size and yield, pulp colour and firmness, aroma and taste, as well as the accumulation of bioactive antioxidant compounds, namely phenols and carotenoids, and their antiradical properties. Results allowed us to extrapolate the optimal P doses to be used for melon fertigation, to achieve high yield and fruit quality characteristics. Modelling the optimal P dose allowed us to maximize yield and resulted in around 257 kg P2 O5 ha(-1) , even if the quality indices relating to carotenoid content, texture and colour of the melon flesh were not significantly different between samples fertigated with the two highest levels tested. It can be assumed that the level of 200 kg P2 O5 ha(-1) would be a good compromise between optimization of agronomic performance and melon fruit quality. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Instrumental and sensory analyses of quality attributes of grafted specialty melons.

Soilborne disease management remains a great challenge in melon production with the phaseout of soil fumigant methyl bromide. Grafting has been shown to be an effective approach to control soilborne diseases. However, previous research has yielded mixed results regarding the impacts of rootstock on fruit quality. Very few studies have assessed melon quality attributes using both sensory evaluation and instrumental methods. Galia melon 'Arava' (Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus Ser.) and honeydew melon 'Honey Yellow' (C. melo L. var. inodorus Naud.) were grafted onto commercial hybrid squash (Cucurbita maxima Duchesne × Cucurbita moschata Duchesne) rootstocks and root-knot nematode-resistant Cucumis metulifer E. Mey. ex Naud. rootstock. The grafting combinations were evaluated under different production conditions. Grafting with hybrid squash rootstocks resulted in reduced soluble solids content (SSC) and decreased sensory ratings of 'Arava' fruit. By contrast with grafted 'Arava', grafted 'Honey Yellow' did not exhibit significant differences in sensory properties and instrumental measurements regardless of production conditions and rootstock selection. The effects of grafting on fruit quality attributes differed between the two distinctive types of melon scion used. Potential negative impacts of rootstocks on melon fruit quality need to be considered in the selection and use of disease-resistant rootstocks.

Identification of fruit quality and morphology QTLs in melon (Cucumis melo) using a population derived from flexuosus and cantalupensis botanical groups

Fruit traits, such as shape, size, sugar concentration, and β-carotene concentration affect fruit quality in melon. Extensive genetic diversity for these traits can be exploited for breeding purposes. In this study, an F2 mapping population was constructed using an orange fleshed cantaloupe-type melon and an exotic green fleshed “snake melon” to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with fruit quality and fruit morphological traits. A total of 31 QTLs were identified, of which 23 corroborated previously reported QTLs. A small segment of LG8 explained most of the phenotypic variation for yield. We mapped eight new QTLs for fruit shape, total fruit weight per plant, soluble solids concentration, flesh color, ovary shape and seed cell diameter, and a locus for chlorosis in this study. Soluble solids concentration did not have significant association with average fruit weight and fruit width, suggesting that manipulation of fruit morphology is possible in melon without considerably affecting fruit sweetness. A significant positive association between fruit shape and ovary shape indicated that fruit shape was determined during preanthesis. Our results indicate that natural variation for internal and external melon fruit traits can be further explored by performing QTL analysis of populations derived from crosses between previously unexplored botanical groups.

Nutraceutical quality of cantaloupe melon fruits produced under fertilization with organic nutrient solutions

Consumption of fruits and vegetables provides natural antioxidants in the human diet that are capable of preventing diseases resulting from the action of free radicals. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of organic nutrient solutions on the nutraceutical quality of hydroponic cantaloupe melon ( Cucumis melo L.) produced under greenhouse conditions. The applied organic solutions consisted of compost and vermicompost teas and vermicompost leachate, while Steiner nutrient solution was used as a control. Analytical tests were run to determine the antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content of the melon fruits. The nutraceutical quality (antioxidant capacity and phenolic content) of the fruits fertilized with the organic solutions was higher than that of melons fertilized using Steiner solution. Treatment with vermicompost leachate led to the highest antioxidant capacity and phenolic content among all of the treatments, resulting a 46.1% higher in antioxidant capacity (DPPH + method) and a 29.3% higher phenolic content compared with inorganically fertilized fruits. Vermicompost solutions (leachate and tea) are viable alternatives for use as a nutrient source in the production of hydroponic cantaloupe melon with improved nutraceutical quality under greenhouse conditions. El consumo de frutas y vegetales incluye antioxidantes naturales a la dieta humana, los cuales son capaces de prevenir enfermedades derivadas de la accion de radicales libres. El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el efecto de soluciones nutritivas organicas sobre la calidad nutraceutica de melon Cantaloupe ( Cucumis melo L.) producido bajo condiciones de invernadero. Las soluciones organicas usadas fueron tes de compost y de vermicompost, lixiviado de vermicompost, y solucion nutritiva Steiner como control. Las pruebas analiticas realizadas fueron: capacidad antioxidante y contenido fenolico total del fruto de melon. La calidad nutraceutica (capacidad antioxidante y contenido fenolico) de los frutos fertilizados con las soluciones organicas fue mayor que en los melones fertilizados con la solucion Steiner. El tratamiento con lixiviado de vermicompost obtuvo los mayores valores de capacidad antioxidante y contenido fenolico de todos los tratamientos, resultando un 46,1% mayor en capacidad antioxidante (metodo DPPH + ), y 29,3% mayor en contenido fenolico que los frutos fertilizados inorganicamente. Las soluciones obtenidas a partir de vermicompost (lixiviado y te) son alternativas viables de fuentes nutricionales para la produccion de melon Cantaloupe hidroponico bajo condiciones de invernadero, el cual tendra una calidad nutraceutica mejorada.

Effects of 1-MCP on postharvest physiology and quality of bitter melon (Momordica charantia L.)

Young immature bitter melons were fumigated with 1-MCP at different concentrations (0.5, 5.0 or 50.0μll−1) for 12h, then stored at 20°C and 85–90% relative humidity (RH) to investigate postharvest quality and physiology. According to the visual appearance of bitter melon, we determined the effective concentration of 1-MCP was 5.0μll−1. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the application of 1-MCP inhibited ethylene production and thereby improved fruit quality of bitter melon as reflected from ascorbic acid (AsA) and soluble protein content. In addition, 1-MCP maintained antioxidant enzymes activities such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) of bitter melon at initial stage but suppressed at the subsequent shelf life. Our results suggested that the use of 1-MCP was an effective method to retain postharvest physiology and quality of bitter melon.

Reduction of Fusarium rot and maintenance of fruit quality in melon using eco-friendly hot water treatment.

Significant losses in harvested fruit can be directly attributable to decay fungi and quality deterioration. Hot water treatment (HWT) has been demonstrated to be an effective and economic environment-friendly approach for managing postharvest decay and maintaining fruit quality. In this study, the effects of HWT (45 °C for 10, 15, 20, and 25 min) on in vitro growth of Fusarium oxysporum, in vivo Fusarium rot, and natural decay of melon were investigated. HWT inhibited spore germination and germ tube elongation of F. oxysporum. Protein impairment and ATP consumption triggered by HWT contributed to the inhibitory effect. Results of in vivo studies showed that HWT effectively controlled Fusarium rot and natural decay of melon. Correspondingly, HWT induced a significant increase in content of total phenolic compounds and lignin of melon. These findings indicate that the effects of HWT on Fusarium rot may be associated with the direct fungal inhibition and the elicitation of defense responses in fruit. Importantly, HWT used in this study had beneficial effects on fruit quality as well. HWT may represent an effective non-chemical approach for management of postharvest Fusarium rot.

Influence of Limited Water Stress on Yield and Fruit Quality of Melon under Soil-Borne Pathogens

This study was carried out to determine crop response to limited water under biotic stress that was soil-borne pathogens caused of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. melonis and Macrophomina phaseoli. The experiment was established in a naturally infected field as in a randomized block design with four replications at Cumra in the Konya Plain, Turkey. Irrigation treatments were consisted of four levels: Water amount applied to replenish the water deficit of 0-90 cm soil depth to field capacity (I1), water supply reductions of 0.25 and 50 percent were applied for the other treatments. The highest yield (2.42 and 3.14 t da-1) was obtained from I1 treatment in both years. Other fruit quality parameters were significantly affected by the treatments. The total irrigation water amount and water consumptive use of the same application were 260 and 470 mm in 2011, respectively. In the second year, the total irrigation water amount and water consumptive use of the same treatment were 334 and 501 mm, respectively. The higher disease incidence (50.0-54.7 %) was observed in the plants subjected to drought in two-year.

Aroma and sensory quality of honeydew melon fruits (Cucumis melo L. subsp. melo var. inodorus H. Jacq.) in relation to different rootstocks

The research evaluates the influence of some selected rootstocks on the C. melo L. subsp. melo var. inodorus H. Jacq. (honeydew melon) cv. Incas fruit quality. Four Cucurbita maxima×Cucurbita moschata hybrids (namely Polifemo, AS10, RS841 and P360) and two genotypes of melon (Energia and Sting), selected for their disease resistance, were tested as rootstocks under greenhouse conditions. Physical properties, chemical data, volatile constituents and sensory descriptors were used for quality determination. All the used rootstocks exhibited a good affinity with the scion, with Polifemo and RS841 showing a productivity higher (about 15%) and a significant increase in fruit weight (about 10%) than the control. As regards the titratable acidity (TA) and the total soluble solids (TSS), similar values resulted among the samples, except for the higher levels of TA in Incas/AS10 and Incas/Sting and the higher of TSS in Incas/AS10. As regards the volatile compounds, the content of key aroma, aldehydes containing a straight nine-carbon chain, such (Z)-3-nonen-1-ol and (Z)-6-nonenal resulted lower in most of the grafted samples (20–60% and 8–45% less than the control, respectively). In relation to the key aroma compounds, the melons grafted on Energia, RS841, P360 and Polifemo rootstocks resulted more similar to the control. 14 sensory descriptors were defined for the appearance, aroma, taste, texture traits, flavor and overall. Energia grafting combination presented the sensory descriptor intensities more close to the ungrafted Incas samples. In conclusion, the quality of the grafted inodorus melon fruits was modified in a different way according to the grafting combinations; RS841 and Polifemo can be successfully used as rootstocks for the inodorus melon since they increased disease resistance and productivity without determining relevant changes on fruity quality.

Root growth, yield, and fruit quality responses of reticulatus and inodorus melons (Cucumis melo L.) to deficit subsurface drip irrigation

Water scarcity associated with intense and frequent droughts has increased the need for the implementation of drought adaptation strategies that can save water and sustain crop productivity in water limited environments. A two season (2011 and 2012) study evaluated root growth, yield and fruit quality responses of cvs. Mission (muskmelon; reticulatus), Da Vinci (tuscan; reticulatus) and Super Nectar (honeydew; inodorus) of melon (Cucumis melo L.) to two irrigation rates (100% and 50% crop evapotranspiration (ETc)) on a silty clay soil under the semi-arid conditions of Texas. Deficit irrigation (50% ETc) increased root length density (RLD) in Mission, decreased in Da Vinci and did not affect in Super Nectar. Marketable fruit yield at 100% ETc irrigation was 77.1tha−1 in 2011 and 78.7tha−1 in 2012, but deficit irrigation caused a 30% decrease in marketable yield in both seasons, mainly due to a reduction in fruit size. Yield responses to deficit irrigation also varied with cultivar. A significant yield reduction of 43% in 2011 and 33% in 2012 was measured in Super Nectar, while for cvs. Mission and Da Vinci the reduction in yield was 24% and 30%, respectively in 2012. Deficit irrigation had no adverse impact on melon fruit quality; rather it increased total soluble solids content (23%) in Mission and β-carotene content (25%) in Da Vinci in 2011. At 50% ETc, agronomic water use efficiency (WUE; kgha−1mm−1) was improved in Mission (13%) in 2012 while it decreased in Super Nectar (21%) in 2011. These results showed that deficit irrigation can save 37–45% of irrigation water in Mission and Da Vinci cultivars (reticulatus) with a moderate reduction in economic yield. This practice may not be applicable for cv. Super Nectar (inodorus), as it reduced yield without improving water use efficiency.

Produtividade e qualidade de melão sob manejo com água de salinidade crescente

Em áreas semiáridas, a irregularidade de chuvas e a escassez de água de boa qualidade contribuem para o uso de água salina para irrigação. Neste sentido, este trabalho objetivou investigar os efeitos do uso de água salina, na produção e qualidade de frutos de melão. Os tratamentos consistiram de duas cultivares de melão (Sancho - C1 e Medellín - C2), irrigadas com água de baixa (S1 = 0,61 dS m-1) e alta (S2 = 4,78 dS m-1) concentração salina, por cada fase fenológica da cultura. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos ao acaso, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, com seis estratégias de manejo de irrigação e duas cultivares (6x2), com quatro repetições. Os resultados evidenciaram que o número de frutos total e comercial foram influenciados pelas estratégias de manejo de água salina. A irrigação com água de boa qualidade, aplicada durante dois dias, seguida de água salina, por um dia, viabilizou a produção comercial de melão, com redução de 33% no uso de água de boa qualidade.

Impact of reduced potassium nitrate concentrations in nutrient solution on the growth, yield and fruit quality of melon in hydroponics

In general, foods with high K content are restricted to the patient with chronic kidney disease but our daily diets including melons are rich in K. Thus, they cannot eat usual diets with other family members, as it is eating normal melon fruits are like a dream to the dialysis patients. As a result of this normal diet restriction, their qualities of life (QOL) decrease greatly. Therefore, melon (Cucumis melo L. cv. Panna) were grown in nutrient solution with reduced KNO3 concentrations from anthesis till harvest to investigate its impact on the fruit K content while maintaining normal growth, yield and other fruit qualities. Three independent melon cultures were verified during the spring seasons from 2009 to 2011. In spring 2009, hydroponic culture of melon in nutrient solution with 1/1 and 1/4th levels of KNO3 has been investigated while the levels were decreased further as to 1/1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 and 1/16th or even as 1/1, 1/8 and 0, during spring 2010 and 2011, respectively. A general trend of decreasing K content in fruit was observed with the decrease of KNO3 concentration in nutrient solution without significant decline in fruit yield. Plant growth variables were not decreased greatly except root dry weights in nutrient solution with reduced KNO3. Citric acidity was decreased significantly due to KNO3 restriction in the first two cultures while soluble solids content was found to be decreased only in spring 2011. In spring 2009, melon plants were grown in nutrient solution with 1/4th KNO3 decreased fruits K by 39% compared to fruits K in standard nutrient solution whereas, it was decreased by about 35% and 43% when melon plants were grown in nutrient solution with 1/16th and 0 levels of KNO3 in the spring 2010 and 2011, respectively. Supplementation of melon fruits containing lower K than usual can be a very useful prevention method for the patient with chronic kidney diseases. It was evident that fruit K content was not decreased expectedly even after limiting the K level to zero. The possible reason behind might be the excessive absorption into the plant parts during vegetative growth and storage before the start of K restriction in turn translocated into the melon fruits. Therefore, consideration of K translocation from leaves and stems to fruits during fruit developmental stage is an important issue for this study. Quantitative supply of KNO3 to culture solutions of melon during vegetative growth would be lowers the fruit potassium considerably.

Influence of Fertilization Level by Soil Testing on Plant Growth and Fruit Quality in Melon (Cucumis melo L.)

Influence of Fertilization Level by Soil Testing on Plant Growth and Fruit Quality in Melon (Cucumis melo L.)

Detection of postharvest changes of ascorbic acid in fresh-cut melon, kiwi, and pineapple, by using a low cost telemetric system

The present paper deals with a novel telemetric device combined with a carbon amperometric sensor system to determine postharvest changes of ascorbic acid (AA) in fresh-cut fruits, without displacing products out of the storage rooms. The investigation was performed on kiwi, pineapple and melon, subjected to minimal processing, packaging, cold storage, and simulated shelf life. Results demonstrated that AA content of fresh-cut fruits of all species declines differently during storage. Cold storage notably reduced the degradation rate of AA in comparison with samples stored at 20°C. The cold-chain interruption resulted in a sharp AA content reduction when the optimal storage condition was not rapidly replaced.Unpredicted results showed a high activity of oxidative enzymes, which prevented AA detection in melon samples. Our sensor system allowed us to demonstrate that both ascorbate peroxidase and ascorbate oxidase affected the oxidative stability and the nutritional quality of fresh cut melon fruits.

Metabolomic and elemental profiling of melon fruit quality as affected by genotype and environment

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a global crop in terms of economic importance and nutritional quality. The aim of this study was to explore the variability in metabolite and elemental composition of several commercial varieties of melon in various environmental conditions. Volatile and non-volatile metabolites as well as mineral elements were profiled in the flesh of mature fruit, employing a range of complementary analytical technologies. More than 1,000 metabolite signatures and 19 mineral elements were determined. Data analyses revealed variations related to factors such as variety, growing season, contrasting agricultural management practices (greenhouse vs. field with or without fruit thinning) and planting date. Two hundred and ninety-one analytes discriminated two contrasting varieties, one from the var. inodorous group and the other from the var. cantaloupensis group. Two hundred and eighty analytes discriminated a short shelf-life from a mid-shelf-life variety within the var. cantaloupensis group. Three hundred and twenty-seven analytes discriminated two seasons, and two hundred and fifty-two analytes discriminated two contrasting agricultural management practices. The affected compound families greatly depended on the factor studied. The compositional variability of identified or partially identified compounds was used to study metabolite and mineral element co-regulation using correlation networks. The results confirm that metabolome and mineral element profiling are useful diagnostic tools to characterize the quality of fruits cultivated under commercial conditions. They can also provide knowledge on fruit metabolism and the mechanisms of plant response to environmental modifications, thereby paving the way for metabolomics-guided improvement of cultural practices for better fruit quality.

THE MORPHO-PHYSIOLOGIC ANALYSIS OF BIODIVERSITY OF MELON GERMPLASM CULTIVATED IN ROMANIA

ISHS XXVIII International Horticultural Congress on Science and Horticulture for People (IHC2010): III International Symposium on Plant Genetic Resources THE MORPHO-PHYSIOLOGIC ANALYSIS OF BIODIVERSITY OF MELON GERMPLASM CULTIVATED IN ROMANIA

Produção e qualidade de frutos de melões amarelo e charentais cultivados em ambientes sombreados

Objetivou-se, neste estudo, avaliar a produção e a qualidade de frutos de melões, tipos Amarelo ('Gold Mine') e Charentais ('Fleuron'), em experimento conduzido na Universidade Federal de Viçosa, no período de 24/11/2003 a 11/03/2004. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de quatro ambientes de cultivo: Controle (pleno sol) e sob sombreamento com malhas Aluminet® 30%-O, Cromatinet® 30%-O e Sombrite® 30%. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com quatro repetições. Dentre os tratamentos com sombreamento a malha Aluminet® 30%-O foi o que mais se destacou não diferindo em produção nem em qualidade, de frutos do tratamento sob condições de pleno sol. Fatores climáticos registrados em cada ambiente de cultivo e genéticos inerentes aos híbridos 'Gold Mine' (Grupo Inodorus) e 'Fleuron' (Grupo Cantaloupensis) interferiram na produção e na qualidade dos frutos de melão. A baixa insolação média diária, a radiação fotossinteticamente ativa moderada e a elevada precipitação pluviométrica registrada ao longo do experimento contribuíram para a redução na qualidade dos frutos. O desempenho satisfatório das plantas sob a malha Aluminet® 30%-O possibilita o cultivo do meloeiro em sistemas agroflorestais ou cultivos associados.

INFLUENCES OF GRAFTING ON AROMATIC COMPOUNDS IN MUSKMELON BY SOLID PHASE MICROEXTRACTION WITH GC-MS

There has been an increase in popularity of grafting technique on muskmelon in agricultural production because grafting of melon increased its disease resistance to fusarium wilt, but melon's (Cucumis melo L.) quality has been more serious inferior than its own-rooted melon. The volatiles substance plays an important role in melon fruit quality. We have found very little reports in literature for melon grafting varieties and using solid-phase microextraction (SPME). The objective of this experiment was to identify volatile and semivolatile compounds in two melon cultivars 'Lu135' and 'Lu7475', using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Fully ripe melon was squeezed through miracloth to produce rapid juice extracts for immediate headspace SPME GC-MS. One hundred forty two volatile compounds were separated in ripe muskmelon, they consisted of 56 esters, 27 alcohols, 3 aldehydes, 17 ketones, 21 alkenes and 18 other substances. Among these compounds, types of esters and alcohols were the important aroma components accounting for over 74.75-93.46% of total peak area. The most abundant compounds in two cultivars were acetic acid, phenylmethyl ester (21.65-36.43%), acetic acid, hexyl ester (6.05-12.95%), ethyl acetate (2.89-9.94%), 1-butanol, 2-methyl-, acetate (5.84-7.82%). The total aromatic compounds and characteristic aromatic esters contents decreased in grafted melons than the own-rooted melon. The delightful fruit aroma in grafting melon was lower and thinner in comparison to own-rooted. Meanwhile, the aroma components of melon were altered because of grafting in adopting of melon. However, the effect of grafting on aroma components was different between two varieties. The total esters content and category in 'Lu135' was obviously lower in grafting melons than own-rooted and it had little chance on 'Lu7475'.