Potencial de vida útil pós-colheita de quatro genótipos de melão tipo Galia

Abstract

The postharvest life span of Galia (genotypes Primal, Solarking, Total, and Vicar) melons (Cucumis melo L.) was evaluated by a four (genotypes) x four (storage periods: 0, 3, 6, and 9 days) factorial experiment, in a completely randomized design with three replications. The fruits were harvested at maturation stage IV (yellow color predominance), and stored under 20 ± 1ºC and HR 50 ± 2%. Solarking's average firmness was better than that of the other genotypes during the experimental period. At the beginning of the experiment all genotypes had soluble solids contents at the level (eight to ten percent) required for exportation, with these levels varying slightly during storage. The internal aspect limited to six days the postharvest life span of genotype Total. Solarking, Vicar, and Primal showed great postharvest conservation potential, particularly the genotype Solarking, which showed an adequate internal aspect up to the ninth day of storage.