Fruit Size and Placement in Packaging Affect Firmness-Related Quality Attributes of Muskmelon(Cucumis melo L.) Fruit

The longer the storage period of muskmelon fruit, the more the lower part of the fruit that is incontact with the packaging box softens compared to the other parts due to the weakness of theblossom end of the fruit. This study was conducted to identify the effect of fruit weight and placementposition in the packaging box on firmness-related quality attributes of ‘Earl’s Talent’ muskmeloncultivar during its shelf life. Fruit were harvested and graded based on their weight into small(1.0-1.4 kg), medium (1.4-1.8 kg), and large (>1.8 kg). After grading, we removed the vine from thestem end and covered the stem scar with plaster to reduce water loss and avoid contamination. Fruitwere then placed in the box downward and sideways, compared to fruit with the vine attached andstem end facing upward as a control. Based on the results, the order of importance of fruit placementposition in the packaging box could be, downward > sideways > upward for large, medium, andsmall fruit, respectively. For heavier muskmelon fruit, it is recommended to place the fruit in thebox downward for storage and distribution at ambient temperature. KCI Citation Count: 2