Quality Of Melon Research Articles

Effects of Aloe Vera Gel Coatings on the Postharvest Quality of Honeydew melons (Cucumis melo L.) Stored Under Atmospheric Condition

Effects of Aloe Vera Gel Coatings on the Postharvest Quality of Honeydew melons (Cucumis melo L.) Stored Under Atmospheric Condition

Changes in Quality of Oriental Melon ‘Smartkkul’ During Vessel Transportation

This study was carried out to assess different postharvest treatments of oriental melon (Cucumis melo var. makuwa Makino) for vessel export to Singapore and to investigate the competitiveness of Korean oriental melon in local markets in Singapore. Oriental melon fruits were grown and harvested from a commercial greenhouse in Seongju, Korea. Oriental melons were treated with 5 different applications: washing with water and 5-kg bulk packaging in a corrugated box covered with polypropylene film (control), washing with water and 5-kg bulk packaging in a corrugated box covered with polyethylene film coated with pegmatite (W+B+F), the W+B+F treatment with the addition of absorption paper (W+B+F+P), washing with water and small packaging, in which two oriental melons were packaged in a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) tray, and 8 trays were placed into each corrugated box (W+S), and washing with 0.5% chitosan solution and small packaging (CW+S). After the treatments, the melon fruits were stored for 1 day at 13°C followed by a 9-day transportation to Singapore at 3°C in a shipping container, and a 3-day distribution to the markets at 18°C. The control treatment resulted in the highest and the fastest weight loss. The W+B+F treatment was effective in reducing surface browning of oriental melon and marketability was the highest at 71.4% with this treatment after arrival in Singapore. The W+S and CW+S treatments showed no decay 3 days after arrival in Singapore. The firmness of W+C+F-treated melon fruit was higher than in the other treatments during distribution at 18°C after export. The soluble solids content of the seed was higher than in the flesh of oriental melon fruit. This study indicated that the W+B+F treatment of oriental melon before export was effective in maintaining freshness during export to Singapore.

The quality of Gold Queen Hami melons stored under different temperatures

Abstract Low temperature storage prolongs the postharvest life of various fresh fruits and vegetables. However, the actual storage temperature may also significantly influence fruit and vegetable quality. In the present study, we stored Gold Queen Hami melons at three different temperatures [21 °C (control), 3 °C, and 0.5 °C (0 ± 0.5 °C)] for 36 days. The humidity for all three temperatures conditions was between 75% and 85%. The results indicated a correlation between chilling injury in Gold Queen Hami melons and storage temperature and time. Different degrees of chilling injury in Gold Queen Hami melons were observed after storage at 3 °C and 0.5 °C, whereas these were detected later when stored at 3 °C. In addition, the rotting rate, weight loss rate, and chilling injury index at 3 °C were significantly lower compared to that at 0.5 °C storage temperature. Compared to other temperatures, storage at 3 °C was associated with a delay in fruit rotting, sustained high fatty acid desaturase and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity, a decrease in lipoxygenase activity, enhanced cold resistance, and extended total storage period. At 21 °C, no chilling injury was observed, although extensive weight loss and high rotting rates were detected. Moreover, two highly expressed genes, namely, JhMYB24 and JhMYB48, were screened and selected from the Gold Queen Hami melon transcriptome database. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the expression of JhMYB24 and JhMYB48 continuously increased under cold stress and peaked at the 18th day of cold storage. The expression of JhMYB24 and JhMYB48 at 3 °C was significantly higher than that at 0.5 °C or 21 °C. Together, our results demonstrate that regulating enzyme activity and upregulating the expression of JhMYB24 and JhMYB48 alleviate cold stress in fruits stored at 3 °C, thereby maintaining high fruit quality.

Development of a novel time–temperature integrator/indicator (TTI) based on the maillard reaction for visual monitoring of melon (Cucumis melo L.) maturity during cultivation

Accumulated temperature, representing the sum of average daily temperatures, is an objective index for assessment of the maturity of vegetable and fruit crops, including melon. We attempted to manage melon cultivation using time–temperature indicators (TTIs), that reflect temperature history during the cultivation period. The objective of this study was to develop a method for simple prediction and estimation of melon maturity using TTIs based on the Maillard reaction to assist in the decision of when to harvest melons. We examined the performance of TTIs during melon cultivation in greenhouses. Prototype TTIs were prepared using a combination of d-xylose (1.0–2.0 mol/kg) and glycine (2.0–3.5 mol/kg) and the correspondence between changes in color and time–temperature histories of melons during cultivation investigated. The color of TTIs changed from colorless to dark brown, as expected. In some areas of the greenhouse, accumulated temperatures differed by more than 50 °C day, depending on location within the greenhouse, resulting in variation in the color development of TTIs. TTIs could successfully indicate differences in accumulated temperatures, due to temperature irregularities in a greenhouse, as a difference in color. Furthermore, the relationship between accumulated temperature and melon quality at harvest time was investigated. Accumulated temperature was positively correlated with soluble solids content (SSC) and negatively correlated with melon firmness. The prototype TTIs corresponded well with the level of melon maturity, and can indicate SSC and firmness by color development; therefore, they have potential for use in prediction of individual melon maturity during cultivation.

1H-NMR-based metabolomic profiles of different sweet melon (Cucumis melo L.) Salento varieties: Analysis and comparison

Melon (Cucumis melo L.) is a significant source of substances able to provide human health benefits. From the 18th century in the Salento area (Apulia region), the cultivation of melon varieties (C. melo L.) has always been intense. Over the years, the production of this fruit has involved a large number of selected and preserved varieties in the different local districts. Unfortunately, most of the characteristics of locally grown vegetable varieties do not match the food industry requirements. Moreover, the agricultural land abandon leads these varieties to quickly disappear, thus affecting the intraspecific biodiversity. In order to characterize the inter-variety diversity of sweet melon (C. melo L. ssp. melo group inodorus) and the potential differences in the nutritional quality of fruits, a first investigation on the juice of five sweet melon varieties (locally known as “allungato”, “scurzune”, “egiziano”, “minna de monaca”, “pinto”), cultivated exclusively in the Salento area, was performed by 1H-NMR spectroscopy and Multivariate Analysis (MVA). The analysis grouped the samples into clusters according to the different variety. Interestingly, a different sugar (mono and disaccharides) content was observed among the grouped varieties, being sweetness the main characteristic of sweet melon quality and taste. A relative higher accumulation of monosaccharides (α-d and β-d glucose and α/β-d fructose) was found, in particular for the “minna de monaca” with respect to “allungato”, “egiziano” and “pinto” varieties. Moreover, a marked high content of polyphenols and aromatic aminoacids as phenylalanine and tyrosine characterize the “allungato”, “minna de monaca” and “pinto” varieties. An NMR-based metabolomic approach was used for the first time to describe these local landraces. This method may integrate other actions in order to achieving a reduction in the current rate of erosion of the biodiversity of Apulian horticultural species.

Effect of 1-MCP, ethylene absorber and ozone on melon quality during storage

This work was aimed to investigate the effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), ethylene absorber (EA), ozone alone or in combination on melon quality during storage. Ethylene production, respiration rates, acoustic firmness, surface color, chilling injury, and disease severity of melon were determined. 1-MCP treated fruits and non 1-MCP treated fruits were stored with sachets of ethylene absorber containing KMnO4 or ozone at 0.1 ppm/h during 10 days at 5 °C and subsequent 4 days at 20 °C. Melons treated with 1-MCP were firmer than the rest of the samples during storage. In addition, 1-MCP reduced the yellowing of melon rind compared to other treatments. The combination of 1-MCP and EA did not offer any additional effect in comparison with 1-MCP alone. There was no significant difference between fruits stored with ethylene absorber, ozone and control samples. Ozone treatment during cold storage decreased disease severity, however, fruits exposed to ozone had more serious decay throughout storage at 20 °C, probably due to the unclean air in the chamber.

Effect of potassium and calcium upon the yield and fruit quality of Cucumis melo

The aim of this work was to study the effect of potassium and calcium in combination with nitrogen upon the yield and fruit quality of outdoor-grown melon (Cucumis melo L.). Two experiments were simultaneously performed through the use of two cultivars: ‘Honey Dew Green Flesh’ (Inodorus group) and ‘Sivan’ (Charentais group). A completely randomized experimental design was used with nine treatments resulting in a factorial arrangement of 3 x 3 due to the use of three doses of K and three doses of Ca. Doses were administered through fertigation with the injection of the fertilizers into a drip irrigation system, expressed as follows in relation to N: N:K (1.8:1.0 – 1.0:1.0 – 0.0:1.0) and Ca:N (2.0:1.0 – 1.0:1.0 – 0.0:1.0). Fertilization with nitrogen and phosphorus was the same in all treatments, through the application of an equivalent of 160 kg ha-1of N and 45 kg ha-1 of P. Yield (Mg ha-1) was measured as well as fruit quality attributes: firmness (kg); pulp or mesocarp thickness (mm) and rind thickness (mm); and total soluble solids (%). Differences were observed between the two varieties. The application of K showed the greatest effect on the quality and yield of the harvested fruit. However, this effect was not observed with Ca.

Potential of chitosan from mushroom waste to enhance quality and storability of fresh-cut melons

The possibility of usage mushroom industry wastage, as a source of antimicrobial biopolymer chitosan to form active edible coatings was studied. It was found that the champignon stipe, an underutilized part of the mushroom, gave rise to a higher chitosan yield than caps (176 vs. 105 mg/g). Fungal chitosan caused a total growth inhibition of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast and Escherichia coli bacteria at concentrations of 1% and 2%, respectively. The fungal chitosan-based edible coatings were applied on fresh-cut melons and found to enhance fruit firmness, inhibit off-flavors and reduce the microbial counts (up to 4 log CFU/g). Volatiles profile showed the coated melons have a higher content of esters responsible for fruit flavor (79.93% and 57.15% for fungal chitosan coated melon and uncoated melon, respectively). This study demonstrates that waste from the mushroom industry can be utilized for the production of non-animal sourced chitosan to form active edible coatings.

Yield and quality of melon under silicon doses and irrigation management in a greenhouse

ABSTRACT The netted melon requires special growing conditions, including a protected environment, an adequate staking system and proper water and nutrient management. This study aimed to assess the effect of irrigation levels and silicon doses on the yield and quality of Sunrise hybrid melons, in a greenhouse. A randomized block design was used, with a 5 x 3 factorial scheme and four replications. The first factor consisted of five silicon doses (0 kg ha-1, 50 kg ha-1, 100 kg ha-1, 150 kg ha-1 and 200 kg ha-1) and the second of three irrigation levels (40 %, 70 % and 100 % of the ETc). The results demonstrated that the applied irrigation levels and silicon doses have no influence on the yield traits of melon plants. The irrigation level corresponding to 100 % of the ETc promotes higher values for soluble solids (9.86 ºBrix) and maturation index (114.9) on fruits. The increase of silicon doses up to 200 kg ha-1 also increases the maturation index in the treatment with the greatest irrigation level and reduces this index at the shallowest level applied.

Fruit flesh volatile and carotenoid profile analysis within the Cucumis melo L. species reveals unexploited variability for future genetic breeding.

Aroma profile and carotenoids content of melon flesh are two important aspects influencing the quality of this fruit that have been characterized using only selected genotypes. However, the extant variability of the whole species remains unknown. A complete view of the volatile/carotenoid profiles of melon flesh was obtained analyzing 71 accessions, representing the whole diversity of the species. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography were used to analyze 200 volatile compounds and five carotenoids. Genotypes were classified into two main clusters (high/low aroma), but with a large diversity of differential profiles within each cluster, consistent with the ripening behavior, flesh color and proposed evolutionary and breeding history of the different horticultural groups. Our results highlight the huge amount of untapped aroma diversity of melon germplasm, especially of non-commercial types. Also, landraces with high nutritional value with regard to carotenoids have been identified. All this knowledge will encourage melon breeding, facilitating the selection of the genetic resources more appropriate to develop cultivars with new aromatic profiles or to minimize the impact of breeding on melon quality. The newly characterized sources provide the basis for further investigations into specific genes/alleles contributing to melon flesh quality. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

QTL mapping for melon ( Cucumis melo L.) fruit traits by assembling and utilization of novel SNPs based CAPS markers

Abstract Fruit traits influence consumer’s choice and the market worth of melons. Multiple genes controlled the majority of fruit quality traits and these genes are influenced via differential factors. Cleaved amplified polymorphism sequence (CAPS) molecular markers have been validated as efficient tool for detection of numerous SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms). In the current study, genetic linkage map was assembled and QTL discovery was conducted for melon quality traits in F2:3 population, generated from crossing of MR-1 and M4-7. SNPs were detected and converted into CAPS markers from retrieved data of high-throughput resequencing. Two parental lines (MR-1 and M4-7) of melon were analyzed and resequenced for assembling the novel CAPS markers. Totally, 91.54% and 90.00% of assembled sequences covered the reference genome of these two distinct parental lines, respectively. Analysis of assembled genomic data revealed total 2,761,801 SNPs and 7741 CAPS locus. Overall, 410 novels CAPS molecular markers were assembled along with 4-restriction endonuclease and 160 CAPS pairs displayed polymorphic bands of predictable length after screening by the use of PCR and process of enzyme digestion, with 39% rate of polymorphism. Genetic linkage map construction was done by genotyping of these novel CAPS markers within F2:3 population and this map totally spanned 2848.68 cM length with 12 chromosomes and 160 CAPS markers. Total 24 minor QTLs were discovered for fruit weight, firmness, flesh firmness, Brix, fruit length, width and shape with different genetic loci on various chromosomal locations. These newly assembled CAPS markers will be valuable and potent for future breeding and genetic schemes in melon.

Effect of temperature and cut size on the volatile organic compound profile, and expression ofChorismate synthasein fresh-cut melon

The postharvest quality of fresh-cut melon is strongly affected by storage conditions to which it is subjected. During postharvest, fruit undergoes several stresses and its physiology is similar to that in senescent tissues. This affects both its biochemistry and the expression of genes involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been used previously to assess quality of fresh cut melon as they reflect changes in flavor and also changes in overall metabolism. Chorismate synthase (CS) is a key enzyme in the shikimate pathway and catalyzes the formation of chorismate, which is the precursor of numerous aromatic compounds in plants. In this work the effects of different storage temperatures and cut-sizes were studied, with the aim of identifying effects on flavor through changes in VOCs, and molecular responses of the CmCS gene to different postharvest conditions. Melon (Cucumis melo L. 'Macigno') fruits were harvested at a fully ripened commercial stage, were washed in a chlorine water solution, and the mesocarp (pulp) was cut in cube-shaped portions; two sizes were chosen, 1×1 and 3×2 cm. Melon cubes were then stored at 20 or 4°C. VOCs were assessed in the 3×2 cut size at both temperatures and showed clear changes during storage. A subset of VOCs were shown to correlate negatively with storage time and temperature and from these, specific compounds can be identified that act as markers for an overall change in VOC profiles. CmCS was more affected by temperature, showing decreased levels of expression during storage at 20°C with respect to harvest and to cold storage. On the other hand, cut-size did not result in changes in its expression in 3×2 cut size.

Pre-Harvest Application of Plant Biostimulant on the Quality and Shelf-Life of Yellow Melon (Cucumis melo L.)

The purpose this work was to evaluate the influence of pre-harvest application of plant biostimulant on the quality and shelf-life of melon. For this an experiment was established in the “Coopyfrutas”, located in Rio Grande do Norte state/Brazil. The treatments consisted of a combination of factors: melon cultivars (‘Goldex’ and ‘Iracema’) and pre-harvest application of plant biostimulant, Crop Set®, (with and without). At commercial maturity, some fruit of each treatment were sampled and analyzed and the others were stored in a cold chamber at 10±2 ºC and 80±2% relative humidity. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized split-plot design. The plots consisted of cultivars and Crop Set® application and subplots of different storage time (0, 14, 21, 28, and 35 days after harvest) with eight replications. The characteristics evaluated were length, diameter, internal cavity, external and internal appearance, weight loss, fresh firmness, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, SS/TA ratio, and total soluble sugars. Applications of plant biostimulant led to an increase in fruit length and diameter. It reduced fresh firmness and increased the pH of ‘Goldex’ fruit. The total soluble sugars reduced at 35 days of storage in the ‘Iracema’ fruit treated with plant biostimulant.

Produção e qualidade do meloeiro sob osmocondicionamento da semente e níveis de salinidade da água

A intensa evaporação, deficiência em drenagem e uso inadequado de fertilizantes têm aumentado os problemas com a salinidade, ocasionando prejuízos no rendimento das culturas. Objetivou-se avaliar a produção e qualidade do meloeiro em função do osmocondicionamento da semente e níveis de salinidade da água. O experimento foi realizado no delineamento de blocos casualizados em parcelas subdivididas do tipo 4 x 2, com quatro repetições. A parcela foi composta por quatro níveis de salinidade da água (0,3, 1,0, 1,7 e 2,4 dS m-1) e nas sub parcelas de plantas oriundas de sementes osmocondicionadas (tratadas e não tratadas com solução salina de NaCl). A cultivar utilizada foi a Rangers do grupo Cantaloupe, cultivada no espaçamento de 2,0 x 0,4 m. As características avaliadas foram relacionadas à produção e qualidade dos frutos de melão. O osmocondicionamento das sementes em solução de NaCl afetou os componentes de produção do meloeiro em que a massa do fruto foi maior em plantas advindas de sementes tratadas com NaCl. A massa do fruto contribuiu mais do que o número de frutos por planta na formação da produtividade da cultura e que essa diferença foi significativa apenas em condições de baixa salinidade da água de 0,3 dS m-1. A qualidade do fruto do meloeiro não foi alterada pelo osmocondicionamento da semente com NaCl e plantas irrigadas com água de salinidade de 2,4 dS m-1 reduziram sua produção e qualidade de frutos de melão.

Paclobutrazol Applied on Cotyledonal Leaves and Quality of Cucumber, Squash, Melon and Watermelon Seedlings

The research was done to determine the effects of paclobutrazol (PBZ) through the dose of 150 mg·L-1, on the quality of seedlings determined by the content of chlorophyll, height, leaf area, dry matter of roots and of the aerial part of cucumber, squash, melon and watermelon. Sowing of all species carried out on October 21, 2013 in polystyrene trays with 200 cavities filled with peat moss. Treatments were the doses of 150 mg of PBZ·L-1 water and the control (distilled water). The solution with PBZ and the distilled water were applied only once with manual atomizer on cotyledonal leaves by mean of 25 shots made approximately with the same force, having put physical barriers between experimental units. In the four species (cucumber, squash, melon and watermelon) the PBZ increased the chlorophyll content in 26.0%, 14.9%, 19.4% and 26.5%, respectively, compared to the control; height decreased in 24.0%, 34.7%, 16.3% and 23.4%; leaf area decreased in 40.1, 0.5, 30.4 and 16.2%; the dry matter of roots increased in 20.0%, 62.5%, 85.7% and 19.7%; whereas in cucumber the dry matter of the aerial part increased 12.3%, in squash decreased 5.3%, and in melon and watermelon increased in the respective 22.9 and 3.3%, so that the 150 mg dose of PBZ can be used to produce seedlings with higher quality for transplant.

Pelapisan benih melon (Cucumis melo L.) dengan ekstrak kulit jeruk untuk mempertahankan mutu fisiologis benih selama penyimpanan

The objective of this research was to study the effectiveness of orange peel extract as seed coating to mantain physiological quality of melon seed during 12 weeks storage. This research was conducted in Laboratory of plant physiology and breeding UNDIP, from December 2016 to April 2017. The research was assigned in completely randomized factorial design with the first factor was the storage periode (0, 4, 8 and 12 weeks) and second factor was the seed coating (control, CMC 1,5 %, orange peel extract (0,5 %, 1,0 %, 1,5 %, 2,0 %)). Interaction of storage period and seed coating showed significant affect to seed moisture content, seed germination and dry weight of normal seedling. Seed coating with orange peel extract 1,5 % was able to keep moisture content for 4 weeks, seed germination for 12 weeks and dry weight of normal seedling for 8 weeks. Keyword: melon, orange peel extract, physiological quality, seed storage

Productivity and quality of melon cultivated in a protected environment under different soil managements

ABSTRACT The need to adapt agricultural crops to climate change and to develop more sustainable cultivation systems has been a major challenge for agriculture. In this study the effects of soil conservation practices were evaluated on production aspects of melon (Cucumis melo), cultivar BRS Araguaia, cultivated in a greenhouse under soil and climatic conditions of the Brazilian Cerrado. The adopted experimental design was of randomized blocks with three treatments (soil managements) and six replicates. We evaluated the following soil management systems: no-tillage (PD), minimum tillage (CM) and conventional tillage (PC) in two cycles. Increases in commercial productivity and average number of marketable fruits were observed for PD (61.5 and 61.2 t/ha; 56,000 and 44,300 fruits/ha in the first and second cycles, respectively) and CM (59.7 and 57.5 t/ha; 55,700 and 42,400 fruits/ha in the first and second cycles, respectively). No effects of management systems on fruit quality were observed. PD and CM were effective in increasing the melon production under evaluated conditions.

Multitrait analysis of fresh-cut cantaloupe melon enables discrimination between storage times and temperatures and identifies potential markers for quality assessments

Fresh-cut cantaloupe melon is valued for its aroma but is highly perishable. Temperature of storage (typically 0–5°C) is critical for maintaining fresh-cut melon quality, but often reaches 10°C during transportation and in retail outlets. A comparison amongst 0, 5 and 10°C storage temperatures for fresh-cut melon over 14days reveals that storage at 0°C is optimal for avoiding increases in microbial load and loss of vitamin C especially at later time points. However, higher temperatures maintain better the balance of esters (acetate versus non-acetate) and phenolic content. The whole volatile organic compound (VOC) profile can be used to discriminate both time and temperature effects especially at earlier time points. Potential VOC markers for changes in vitamin C from day 0 to day 6 of storage (3-methyl butane nitrile) and temperature (limonene) are identified through a multi-trait analysis.

Effects of grafting and nitrogen fertilization on melon yield and nitrogen uptake and utilization

A split-field design experiment was carried out using two main methods of cultivation (grafting and self-rooted cultivation) and subplots with different nitrogen application levels (0, 120, 240, and 360 kg N·hm-2) to investigate the effects of cultivation method and nitrogen application levels on the yield and quality of melons, nitrogen transfer, nitrogen distribution, and nitrogen utilization rate. The results showed that melons produced by grafting cultivation had a 7.3% increase in yield and a 0.16%-3.28% decrease in soluble solid content, compared to those produced by self-rooted cultivation. The amount of nitrogen accumulated in melons grafted in the early growth phase was lower than that in self-rooted melons, and higher after fruiting. During harvest, nitrogen accumulation amount in grafted melon plants was 5.2% higher than that in self-rooted plants and nitrogen accumulation amount in fruits was 10.3% higher. Grafting cultivation increased the amount of nitrogen transfer from plants to fruits by 20.9% compared to self-rooted cultivation. Nitrogen distribution in fruits was >80% in grafted melons, whereas that in self-rooted melons was <80%. Under the same level of nitrogen fertilization, melons cultivated by grafting showed 1.3%-4.2% increase in nitrogen absorption and utilization rate, 2.73-5.56 kg·kg-1 increase in nitrogen agronomic efficiency, and 7.39-16.18 kg·kg-1 increase in nitrogen physiological efficiency, compared to self-rooted cultivation. On the basis of the combined perspective of commercial melon yield, and nitrogen absorption and utilization rate, an applied nitrogen amount of 240 kg·hm-2 is most suitable for graf-ting cultivation in this region.

Calidad de melón cantaloupe (Cucumis melo) cubierto con una película comestible de alginato-hpmc-parafina

El melón es un fruto que tiene un corto periodo de almacenamiento. Una alternativa para extender este periodo es el uso de películas comestibles. En el presente estudio se evaluó el efecto de la aplicación de una película comestible de alginato de sodio-hidroxipropilmetilcelulosa-parafina (ALG-HPMC-PAR), sobre la calidad de melón Cantaloupe durante dos tipos de almacenamiento.Método: Frutos de melón Cantaloupe se cubrieron con una película comestible de alginato-hidroxipropilmetil celulosa-parafina (ALG-HPMC-PAR), y no cubiertos (CONTROL). Los melones se almacenaron por 21 días a 5ºC y 95% de humedad relativa (Hr). Cada siete días, los frutos se sometieron a análisis de índice de daños por frío, pérdida de peso, textura, y concentración de CO2 y etileno de la atmósfera interna del fruto. Además, para simular manejo comercial, al término de cada periodo de siete días en refrigeración, una muestra de melones era extraída del frigorífico y expuesta a condiciones ambientales de temperatura y humedad relativa (25ºC y 21-25% respectivamente) durante tres días (almacenamiento combinado), y medidos los parámetros anteriormente mencionados.Resultados: La aplicación de la película comestible provocó que los frutos cubiertos tuvieran una mayor concentración de CO2 y menor concentración de etileno en la atmósfera interna del fruto, contribuyendo a que los melones cubiertos mantuvieron su calidad por un mayor tiempo de almacenamiento, manteniéndose más firmes, con menor pérdida de peso y sufrir menor índice de daños por frío con respecto los frutos control.Discusión: Los resultados demuestran la factibilidad de la aplicación de películas comestibles para mantener la calidad del melón Cantaloupe almacenado en refrigeración y en almacenamiento combinado.