Quality Of Melon Research Articles

Influence of Composition of Soilless Substrates Monitored with Iot Sensor Nodes on the Growth, Nutrient and Fruit Quality of Rockmelons (Cucumis melo Var. Cantalupensis)

Background: Coconut coir dust (CD) is commonly used for growing selected fruit and vegetables. It is a soilless medium with excellent drainage and high-water holding capacity; free from infestations of weeds and pathogens. However, plant growth is adversely affected due to its high salinity, potassium and low pH. Methods: A greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of different soilless media on rock melon’s growth, nutrient and fruit quality. Five soilless media were prepared including CD as control. A customised portable IoT system was deployed to monitor and collect relevant real-time agronomic data. Result: Plant height, yield, leaf area, total fresh fruit weight and soluble solids content (sweetness) of rock melon were significantly affected by the growing medium. Among the five media used, the growth and quality characteristics were highest in M2 followed by M3. It was found that a combination of burnt rice husk (BRH) and perlite with CD remarkably improved the growth of fruit quality of rock melon.

Rootstock–scion interaction mediated impact on fruit quality attributes of thick-skinned melon during storage under different temperature regimes

Grafting is a technique widely utilized to enhance the tolerance of melon against various abiotic and biotic stresses and improve fruit quality and crop production. Melon is a popular Cucurbitaceae crop around the world due to its unique taste and aroma. Improved postharvest fruit quality with prolonged shelf-life is important to ensure the supply of melon in the market. In this study, we evaluated the postharvest fruit quality of melons grafted on ten pumpkin rootstocks during storage at room temperature (25°C ± 2°C) and cold conditions (10°C ± 1°C). We investigated several physiological, biochemical, and anti-oxidative parameters related to postharvest fruit quality. These quality parameters were evidently affected by the use of different rootstocks, storage temperature, and storage duration. The melon fruits obtained from Tianzhen No. 2 rootstock had no weight loss and relatively lower titratable acidity (0.21%), malic acid (0.84 mg/g), and total phenolic (15.96 mg/g) contents compared with other grafting combinations after 7 days of room storage. Moreover, Yinguang rootstock-grafted melon fruits showed relatively higher total soluble solids (15.40°) and sucrose (169.30 mg/g) but lower malic acid (0.97 mg/g) and total phenolic (15.31 mg/g) contents after 28 days of cold storage. The melon fruits grafted on Tianzhen No. 2 with membership function value (0.67) and Yinguang rootstock (0.66) ranked 1st regarding overall fruit quality attributes after short-term room-temperature and long-term cold storage, respectively. Considering the results of our study, the use of rootstock helped maintain the post-harvest fruit quality during storage and extended the shelf life of melons. Thus, the use of rootstocks along with other post-harvest storage techniques can be a potential research area to improve the storage life of melon fruits.

Date-Palm Compost as Soilless Substrate Improves Plant Growth, Photosynthesis, Yield and Phytochemical Quality of Greenhouse Melon (Cucumis melo L.)

The selection of adequate substrate for soilless culture is based on technical and economic considerations. Therefore, the search for alternatives by the valorization of natural by-products is gaining importance. The main objective of this study was to compare the effects of local farm resources, date-palm waste, as culture substrate, to coconut fiber (CF) (commonly used in soilless culture) on melon (Cucumis melo L.) plant growth, water relations, photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence as well as phytochemical analysis under hydroponics culture system. Two growing substrates were tested: the compost of date palm waste added to animal manure (7:3 w w−1) (DPAM) and the date palm trunk compost (DPT). Coconut fiber and soil were used as positive and negative controls, respectively, in randomized blocks. Results showed that the vegetative growth was improved under DPT and CF substrates while CF substrate enhanced fruit yield and phytochemical properties: Total soluble solids TSS (% Brix), total dissolved solutes (TDS); Titratable acidity (as citric acid); Sugar content and juice pH of melon fruit. Date-palm waste-based substrates enhanced the vegetative growth and the fruit yield of melon as compared to soil-based culture. It seems that date palm waste-based substrates, especially trunk compost, could be promising and cheaper alternatives compared to coconut fiber substrates commonly used in Tunisia in soilless cultures.

Assessing Yield and Quality of Melon (Cucumis melo L.) Improved by Biodegradable Mulching Film.

Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic mulching films have an important function, but at the end of their lifetime pose an economic and environmental problem in terms of their removal and disposal. Biodegradable mulching films represent an alternative to LDPE with the potential to avoid these environmental issues. In this preliminary study, we employed a biodegradable film based on Mater-Bi® (MB) in comparison with low-density polyethylene to assess their effect on the yield and particular quality traits (organoleptic and nutraceutical composition of the fruits) of muskmelon (cv Pregiato) grown on soils with different textures (clay-loam-CL and sandy loam-SL) in two private farms in South Italy. Soil temperature under the mulch was also measured. During the monitored periods, mean soil temperature under LDPE was higher (about 1.3 °C) than that under the biodegradable film and was higher in SL soil than in CL soil, at 25.5° and 24.2 °C, respectively. However, the biodegradable film was able to limit the daily temperature fluctuation, which was 1.7 °C in both soils compared with 2.3 °C recorded for LDPE. Fruit yields were higher with MB film than LDPE (+9.5%), irrespective of soil texture. MaterBi® also elicited increases in total soluble solids, polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity compared with LDPE films: 13.3%, 22.4%, 27.2%, and 24.6%, respectively. Color parameters of flesh, namely brightness, chroma, and hue angle were better in fruits grown on LDPE. Our findings suggest that Mater-Bi® based biodegradable mulching film is a potentially valid alternative to traditional LDPE, particularly for obtaining the agronomical benefits outlined above and for promoting environmental sustainability due to its favourable biodegradable properties.

Bitki Büyümesini Arttırıcı Bazı Rhizobakteri Türlerinin Sulu ve Susuz Yetiştirilen Kavunlarda Meyve Kalitesi Üzerine Etkileri

It has been determined in many research results that plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) affect yield, plant growth and fruit quality and play an important role. However, the use of biostimulants in agricultural production in Malatya is negligible. In order to contribute to the region's producers, a research was planned directly in the producer's garden in the Malatya/Arguvan region, which is an important melon production center. A trial was established with Arguvan (Narmikan) melon type and Kırkağaç 637 melon cultivars, which are the most grown local cultivars in the summer period of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria in irrigated and non-irrigated melon cultivation in Malatya-Arguvan conditions, and the trial was repeated for two consecutive years. In the research, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus megatorium, Enterococcus spp. and cocktail bacteria solutions, which are a mixture of these three bacteria were used. Inoculation of bacteria into seeds was done by soaking the seeds in bacterial solution for 24 hours. The effects of the use of bacteria on the fruit quality of melon in cultivation with the method of seed sowing in the field were determined. In the study, the presented of which are resulted in fruit only pomological porperties ; fruit height, fruit weight, fruit flesh thickness, fruit shell thickness, fruit diameter, seed cavity diameter, pH and WTSS contents were examined, and two-year results were presented. The effects of different bacteria on the fruit pomological properties were not found statistically significant except for the TSS values of Kırkağaç 637 cultivars grown under non-irrigated conditions. The effects of different bacteria on the fruit pomological characteristics of Kırkağaç 637 melons grown under non-irrigated conditions were found statistically significant, although there were differences in other parameters, it was not statistically significant. Bacillus subtilis bacteria application has been the prominent bacterial application in terms of fruit characteristics.

Biological Control of Melon Continuous Cropping Obstacles: Weakening the Negative Effects of the Vicious Cycle in Continuous Cropping Soil.

The continuous cropping obstacles of melons have become increasingly serious in recent years. To investigate this, we explored the effects and mechanisms of Bacillus subtilis C3 in control of the continuous cropping obstacles of melon. We provide a novel interaction model of the occurrence factors of continuous cropping obstacles. The dominant pathogen isolated from melon soil was Fusarium. Their hyphae were used as food to cultivate root-knot nematodes. The main phenolic acids in melon soil promoted the growth of Fusarium and indirectly increased the number of root-knot nematodes, but they also had direct toxic effects on melon root-knot nematodes. The simultaneous inoculation of the three had the strongest inhibitory effect on melon seedlings, while the inhibitory effect of paired inoculation was weaker than that of single inoculation. Therefore, the three balance each other, forming a vicious cycle. Bacillus subtilis C3 weakened the negative effects of this cycle on melon by eliminating phenolic acids and inhibiting the growth of Fusarium and root-knot nematodes. Simultaneously, they also alleviated the continuous cropping obstacles of melon by improving the composition and structure of the rhizosphere microbial community. Our results might be useful for the effective control of the continuous cropping obstacles of melon. IMPORTANCE The soil environment, crop growth and fruit quality of melons are negatively affected by long-term continuous cropping. It is important to study the mechanism of continuous cropping obstacles and their biological control. In this study, we propose a novel interaction model of the occurrence factors of continuous cropping obstacles. The dominant phenolic acids, pathogenic fungi, and root-knot nematodes from melon soil balance each other, forming a vicious cycle. Bacillus subtilis C3 weakened the negative effects of this cycle on melon by eliminating phenolic acids and inhibiting the growth of Fusarium and root-knot nematodes. In addition, C3 also improved the composition and structure of the melon rhizosphere microbial community. These results advance the study of the occurrence mechanism of continuous cropping obstacles and demonstrate an efficient and environmentally friendly biological control scheme.

Pengaruh Variasi Jarak Tanam Dan Jumlah Buah Terhadap Produksi Dan Mutu Benih Tanaman Paria (Momordica charantia L.)

One of effort to fulfiil the national bitter melon production is by cultivation system improvement. The research aims to find out the interaction of plant spacing and the number of fruit toward seed quality of bitter melon (Momordica charantea L.). This research conducted from October 2020 – February 2021 in the Research and Development land of PT. Wira Agro Nusantara Sejahtera Pare, Kediri. The research used factorial Randomize Complete Blog Design (RCBD) with three replications. The first factor is plant spacing with 3 levels, they are 30 cm x 80 cm, 40 cm x 80 cm and 50 cm x 80 cm. the second factor is the number of fruits they are 4 fruits, 6 fruits and 8 fruits. The data will be analyzed using analysis of variance and continued with DMRT level of 5%. The reseach showed that the treatment of plant spacing variance has very significant effect on the seed quality of bitter melon. The treatment of plant spacing 50 cm x 80 cm showed the best result on the parameter of weight of 1000 seeds 167,39 gram, the percentages of seed germination 93,17% and the percentages of growing speed 18,16%. The treatment of number of fruits has very significant effect on the parameters of weight 1000 seeds 170,12 gram, the percentages of seed germination 95,33 % and the percentages of growing speed 21,41%. The interaction of plant spacing and the number of fruit gave very significant effect on the parameters of seed production per hectare 2,95 ton/ha, the weight of 1000 seeds 170,12 gram, the percentages of seed germination 95,33% and the percentages of growing speed 21,41%.

Comparative analysis of pumpkin rootstocks mediated impact on melon sensory fruit quality through integration of non-targeted metabolomics and sensory evaluation

Melon fruits are popular because of sweet taste and pleasant aroma. Grafting has been extensively used for melons to alleviate abiotic stresses and control soil borne diseases. However, use of grafting for vegetable fruit quality improvement is less studies. In modern age fruit quality particularly sensory quality characteristics have key importance from consumer eye lens. We performed liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and metabonomic analysis to examine sensory fruit quality of melon grafted onto ten different pumpkin rootstocks. Bases on the result of our study, 478 metabolites were detected and 184 metabolites consisting of lipids, amino acids and organic oxygen compounds were differentially expressed in grafted melon fruits. The results from metabolomic, physiochemical and sensory analysis explain the differences in melon fruit flavor from two contrasting rootstocks. In conclusion the fruits from Tianzhen No. 1 rootstock exhibited better organoleptic characteristics and higher soluble sugars content [glucose (19.87 mg/g), fructose (19.68 mg/g) and sucrose (169.45 mg/g)] compared with other rootstocks used in this study. Moreover, the contents of bitterness causing amino acids such as L-arginine, L-asparagine, Histidinyl-histidine and Acetyl-DL-valine were found lower in Tianzhen No. 1-grafted melon fruits compared with Sizhuang No. 12-grafted melon fruits. These fruit quality characteristics made Tianzhen No. 1 rootstock suitable for commercial cultivation of Yuniang melon.

Características de fruto de melão cantaloupe em ambiente protegido sob frequências de irrigação e volumes de substrato

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of irrigation frequencies and substrate volumes on fruit mass, fruit quality and water use efficiency of cantaloupe melon in protected environment. The study was conducted at the Federal University of Rondonópolis, MT, Brazil, from February to August 2021, in randomized block design in a 3 × 4 factorial scheme with four replicates. The substrate volumes used in plastic pots were 5, 10 and 15 dm3 and the irrigation frequencies were once a day, twice a day, three times a day and once every other day. The characteristics evaluated were fruit mass, pulp thickness, water use efficiency, soluble solids content, and titratable acidity. The irrigation frequencies of once and three times a day showed the best performance for fruit mass and pulp thickness. The water use efficiency was higher for the frequency of three times a day. With the exception of titratable acidity, the substrate volumes of 10 and 15 dm3 showed the highest performances for all the variables evaluated. As for the soluble solids content, all fruits showed levels that classified them as extra fruits, of high quality and indicated for exportation.

Impact of extraction methods on the quality, physicochemical, and functional properties of white melon (Cucumeropsis mannii) seed protein concentrates

Protein concentrate extracted from Cucumeropsis mannii using acid precipitation, salt solubilization, and alcohol wash methods were analyzed for the amino acid profile, fluorescence intensity, functional properties such as solubility, water, and oil absorption capacities, and swelling index. Salt solubilized protein concentrate (SSPC) had higher protein content and better yield compared to alcohol-washed and acid precipitated protein concentrates. Fluorescence spectra showed the least intensity for acid precipitated protein concentrate (APPC), indicating that the structure was unfolded compared to others. Glutamic and aspartic acid were the major amino acids in the protein concentrates. The SSPC had the highest amount of hydrophobic and aromatic amino acids. The solubility profile of the concentrates indicated that SSPC had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) highest solubility over a wide pH range (pH 3.0-9.0) in comparison to the APPC and alcohol washed concentrates (AWPC). In contrast, AWPC had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) highest water and oil absorption capacities compared to those extracted using other solvents. The foaming capacity of AWPC was significantly lowered, whilst its solubility index increased with temperature compared to others. Higher percent whiteness and swelling power were recorded in SSPC The Melon protein concentrate could be applied to the food system.

High-Intensity Ultrasound Processing Enhances the Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Capacity and Microbiological Quality of Melon (Cucumis melo) Juice.

The bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity and microbiological quality of melon juice processed by high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) were studied. Melon juice was processed at two ultrasound intensities (27 and 52 W/cm2) for two different processing times (10 and 30 min) using two duty cycles (30 and 75%). Unprocessed juice was taken as a control. Total carotenoids and total phenolic compounds (TPC) were the bioactive compounds analyzed while the antioxidant capacity was determined by DPPH, ABTS and FRAP assays. The microbiological quality was tested by counting the aerobic and coliforms count as well as molds and yeasts. Total carotenoids increased by up to 42% while TPC decreased by 33% as a consequence of HIUS processing regarding control juice (carotenoids: 23 μg/g, TPC: 1.1 mg GAE/g), gallic acid and syringic acid being the only phenolic compounds identified. The antioxidant capacity of melon juice was enhanced by HIUS, achieving values of 45% and 20% of DPPH and ABTS inhibition, respectively, while >120 mg TE/100 g was determined by FRAP assay. Further, the microbial load of melon juice was significantly reduced by HIUS processing, coliforms and molds being the most sensitive. Thus, the HIUS could be an excellent alternative supportive the deep-processing of melon products.

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.

Increasing the yield of melon in a greenhouse at vegetative grafting on vegetable marrow rootstocks

In Uzbekistan, there is a demand of the population for fresh melon fruits during the off-season. In the Research Institute of Vegetable, Melon Crops and Potato for the first time studies were carried out, when grown in a greenhouse, on the vegetative grafting of melon’s Zarkhal variety on the vegetable marrow varieties used as rootstocks. The aim of the research was to study the effect of vegetable marrow rootstocks on the variability of economically valuable traits of the Zarkhal melon variety and to identify promising combinations of vegetable marrow rootstocks that increase the yield and quality of melon fruits.Methods. The studies were carried out in accordance with the guidelines of the World Vegetable Center. As a control, ungrafted plants of the Zarkhal melon variety were used. For comparison with the control, plants of this variety were grafted onto their own plants. Also, plants of the melon variety Zarkhal (scion) were grafted in combinations on 10 varieties of vegetable marrow, which served as rootstocks. Vegetative grafting of melon on vegetable marrow rootstocks was carried out “in a split” in the phase of the first true leaf when the stem diameter reached 4.1–4.3 mm and plant height 4.4–5.9 cm.Results. In comparison with the control, in combinations of grafting the Zarkhal melon variety onto the Grecheskiye 110, Unumdor, Delicates and Skvorushka varieties of vegetable marrow, the flowering of paternal and female flowers, the onset of fruit formation was observed 2 days earlier. In the same combinations, fruit ripening was observed on 81-82 days, which is 4-5 days earlier than the control (86 days). They also had the tallest plants (203-205 cm), the plants formed 2-4 leaves more than the others. Marketable yields between combinations ranged from 7.89 to 9.75 kg/m2 . The melon variety Zarkhal, grafted onto its own plants, lagged behind the control in all phases of development and yield. The early yield in combinations was from 3.95 to 5.75 kg/m2 and amounted to 53-59% of the yield. The average fruit weight varied from 785 to 810 g.

The influence of growth regulators on the ripening period, yield and quality of melon of the medium-ripened variety Osen

This article shows the influence of growth regulators and methods of their application on the passage of the main interphase periods and growth processes during melon cultivation. The use of growth regulators is one of the promising directions in the cultivation of melons. In the acutely arid areas of the Volgograd Volga region, the use of mineral fertilizers for melon crops, in bagar conditions, was not effective, since there was an acute shortage of moisture in the soil. Therefore, the most effective and promising for creating favorable conditions for the growth and development of melon plants, with the possibility of leveling negative environmental factors, is the use of foliar treatments in the cultivation technology with growth regulators. The studied drugs of the new generation have a wide range of physiological activity. They are designed to influence the parameters of growth and development of plants as a whole in various phases, as well as their organs, as well as the parameters of plant response to environmental factors.Results. Studies have revealed the dependence of the growth processes of melon plants on the methods of using growth regulators, the length of the lashes in the variants of using growth regulators for processing plants during vegetation is longer compared to soaking seeds, with their maximum length in the Phytozont variant (plant treatment) is 12.7-51.3% longer compared to other studied preparations.

Influence of different rootstocks on quality and volatile constituents of cantaloupe and honeydew melons (Cucumis melo. L) grown in high tunnels

Two rootstock crosses of sweet melon and watermelon (Cucurbita moschata × Cucurbita maxima hybrids), 'Kickstart' and 'Carnivor', grafted onto four melon cultivars (cantaloups; 'Majestic', 'Hunter', 'Honeygoal' and 'Honeyval') were evaluated for quality, phytonutrient composition and volatile compounds in the 2020 and 2021 growing season at two harvests. Grafted fruits showed higher SSC/TA ratio, and antioxidant scavenging activity. Grafted ‘Majestic/Carnivor’ and ‘Honeyval/ Carnivor’ melons significantly increased the ascorbic acid content than the controls. ‘Majestic/Carnivor’ melons showed the highest β- carotene and lutein than the controls. PLS-DA score plots discriminated the grafted cantaloupes and honeydew melons from controls based on the concentration of volatile compounds. Hexyl acetate and hexadecane respectively discriminated the grafted cantaloups and honeydew melons from ungrafted fruits. ‘Carnivor’ rootstocks showed higher expression of volatiles in the grafted cantaloupes and honeydew melons in the heat map. Panellists preferred Majestic/Carnivor’ and ‘Honeyval/ Carnivor’ melons.

A method for automatic real-time detection and counting of fruit fly pests in orchards by trap bottles via convolutional neural network with attention mechanism added

Fruit fly pests seriously affect the quality and safety of various melons, fruits, and vegetable crops. Many farmers lack sufficient knowledge of the level of pest occurrence, which leads to the over-use of pesticides, resulting in environmental pollution and quality degradation of agricultural products. The combination of artificial intelligence and agricultural technology can continuously and dynamically monitor pests in orchards, help scientific researchers and fruit farmers master pest data in time, reduce the use of artificial and pesticides, and achieve scientific early warning and prevention of pests. In this paper, the sexual attractant is placed in the pest trap bottle, the optical flow method, U-Net semantic segmentation, and the YOLOv5 algorithm with SE, CBAM, CA, and ECA attention mechanisms are used to detect and count live Bactrocera cucurbitae on the bottle surface, and then we use Hough circle detection method to detect the entrance position of the trap bottle, and finally count the number of B. cucurbitae entering the trap bottle in combination with the position information of B. cucurbitae and the entrance of the trap bottle. The experimental results show that: the accuracy of counting B. cucurbitae on the surface of the trap bottle can reach 93.5%, and the accuracy of counting B. cucurbitae entering the trap bottle can reach 94.3%, which can dynamically monitor the number of pests in the orchard in real time.

Effects of biodegradable films on melon quality and substrate environment in solar greenhouse

With the increase in plastic pollution of farmland substrate, biodegradable mulch film research has become a hotspot. However, the degradation rate of biodegradable plastic film over the entire crop growth period is still unclear, as well as its impact on crop growth and product quality. Here, several properties of two kinds of composite biodegradable mulch films, PBAT/PLA-[S1] and PBAT/lignin-[S2], are studied with polyethylene-[PE] and uncovered substrate (CK) as controls. We tested the differences in morphological characterization, physical properties, and weight loss rate of the plastic films, as well as the effects of the different plastic films on melon yield and quality, substrate temperature and humidity, physical and chemical properties of the substrate, and substrate fungal species composition. Compared to PE, biodegradable plastic films S1 and S2 increased substrate temperature and the net photosynthetic rate of leaves. The results of substrate 18 s rDNA assay of CK, PE, S1, and S2 after 80 days of treatment and pre-treatment showed that a total of 12 fungal phylum, with 317 fungal genera were found, in which Ascomycota as the main phyla and Penicillium as the main genera. Compared with PE, the S2 treatment significantly increased the single fruit weight, central sugar content and soluble sugar of melon by 225.35 g, 1.26%, and 0.68%, respectively (p < 0.05). When buried for 240 d, the weight loss rate of S2 was significantly increased by 86.08% compared with PE (p < 0.05). From these results, we extrapolated that covering the substrate with the most biodegradable film, PBAT/lignin composite (10 μm), improved the yield and fruit quality of the melon in winter greenhouse production.

Combination treatment including irradiation improved the keeping quality of bitter melon (Momordica charantia L) with retention of functional bioactives while fulfilling phytosanitary requirement for export

Present work dealt with development of a combination process for prolonged extension of shelf life of whole as well as minimally processed bitter gourd samples. In this treatment, GRAS chemicals were used for extension of shelf life while radiation processing was optimized to use as a phytosanitary treatment. The whole process involved dipping the bitter gourd samples in sodium hypochlorite (200 ppm) at 52 °C for 10 min (as disinfectant treatment) followed by potassium metabisulphite at optimal concentration (0.5%) for 10 min at 26 ± 2 °C (as an antifungal treatment). Finally, the samples were exposed to low dose (1 kGy) gamma irradiation treatment as a phytosanitary measure. An extended shelf life of 30 days was obtained, while improving the microbiological quality and retaining the colour, textural and sensory qualities. Combination process significantly enhanced the total phenolic content in processed samples during the storage period as compared to unprocessed control. Antioxidant activities of processed samples in terms of FRAP and DPPH radical scavenging activity as well as the antimutagenic activity were also conserved in treated samples. Thus, the treatment developed enhanced the storage life of processed bitter gourd stored at 4 ± 2 °C while satisfying the phytosanitary requirement for export especially to the countries requiring longer voyage time.

Combination strategy of CO2 pressurization and ultrasound: To improve the freezing quality of fresh-cut honeydew melon

The effects of CO2 pressurization combined with ultrasound-assisted immersion freezing (CO2USIF) on improving the freezing quality of honeydew melon were studied. The cut melon samples were first subjected to 0.2, 0.5 and 0.8 MPa CO2 pressure for 2 h respectively, and then frozen by an ultrasound-assisted freezing device. The results indicated that the CO2 pressurization affected the water state and reduced the freezable water content. Cryo-observed results showed the ice crystal area of the 0.5CO2USIF sample was 66.6% smaller than that of the SF, and 60.8% smaller than that of the IF. The drip loss of 0.5CO2USIF sample was 58.2% lower than that of SF. The indexes of vitamin C, flavor, texture and color of CO2USIF samples were kept better. The SEM results showed that the cell structures of CO2USIF samples were better maintained. These demonstrated that CO2USIF technology has application potential in improving the quality of frozen food.

Global model for in-field monitoring of sugar content and color of melon pulp with comparative regression approach

&lt;abstract&gt; &lt;p&gt;The development of the global model is an important part of research involving the quality prediction of agricultural commodities using visible/near-infrared (Vis/NIR) spectroscopy due to its efficiency and effectiveness. The Vis/NIR was used in this study to develop a global model and to evaluate the sugar content and pulp color, which are the main determinants of ripeness and quality of melons. Furthermore, it also provides a comparison between linear and nonlinear regression using partial least squares regression (PLSR) and support vector machine regression (SVMR), respectively. The model accuracy was determined by ratio of performance to deviation (RPD). The results showed that there were good model accuracy values in some parameters, such as SSC (2.14), glucose (1.59), sucrose (2.31), a&lt;sup&gt;*&lt;/sup&gt; (2.97), and b&lt;sup&gt;*&lt;/sup&gt; (2.49), while the fructose (1.35) and L&lt;sup&gt;*&lt;/sup&gt; (1.06) modeling showed poor prediction accuracy. The best model for SSC was developed using PLSR, while that of fructose, glucose, sucrose, L&lt;sup&gt;*&lt;/sup&gt;, a&lt;sup&gt;*&lt;/sup&gt;, and b&lt;sup&gt;*&lt;/sup&gt; were obtained from SVMR. Therefore, Vis/NIR spectroscopy can be used as an alternative method to monitor sugar content and pulp color of a melon, but with some limitations, such as the low accuracy in predicting certain variables, such as the L&lt;sup&gt;*&lt;/sup&gt; and fructose.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;/abstract&gt;