Effects of Maturity and Postharvest Techniques on Keeping Quality of Melons

Abstract

Maturity of netted muskmelons (Cucumis melo L., var. reticulatus, cvs Earl′s Favourite and Napoleon) is difficult to estimate by their appearance. Ethylene and flavor volatiles production of the melons were found to be good indicators in estimating maturity.
Keeping qualities of the melons during postharvest storage were highly dependent on the fruit′s maturity and on storage methods. Modified atmosphere in seal-packaging with polyethylene bags and ethylene-removing treatment on seal-packaging were effective to maintain qualities of the melons which were at proper maturity stage for harvesting (ethylene production: <0.1μl/kg/h), but were not satisfactory for physiologically more aged melons which were properly matured for eating (ethylene production: >0.3μl/kg/h).
Keeping-quality periods of the melons were 1 week at 20°C, 2 weeks at 10°C or 3-4 weeks at 4°C, and were not prolonged by low pressure storage.