Compositional Changes during Muskmelon Fruit Ripening

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate compositional
changes during ripening of three Galia F1 muskmelon cultivars for export;
namely, ‘Galeb’, ‘Seeren’ and ‘Green Star’ at 18±1ºC and 85%-90%
relative humidity. The fruits of the three cultivars exhibited a typical
climacteric pattern of respiration during ripening. Fruit flesh firmness was
declined progressively in a similar manner in the three cultivars. Rind
colour, total soluble solids (TSS) and weight loss steadily increased and
cellulose content decreased with fruit ripening. Total protein increased up
to the climacteric peak of respiration and then decreased.