Discrimination and Characterization of Volatile Flavor Compounds in Fresh Oriental Melon after Forchlorfenuron Application Using Electronic Nose (E-Nose) and Headspace-Gas Chromatography-Ion Mobility Spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS)

Aroma is a crucial factor determining the market value and consumer satisfaction of fresh oriental melon. However, few studies focus on the volatile flavor of fresh oriental melon, and the effect of forchlorfenuron application on the aroma profile is unclear. This study characterized the volatile profile of fresh oriental melon fruit after forchlorfenuron application by E-nose and HS-GC-IMS. The holistic variation of volatile compounds exhibited evident distinction based on linear discriminant analysis (LDA) with E-nose. Forty-eight volatile compounds were identified from fresh oriental melon via GC-IMS, mainly esters, alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones, along with smaller quantities of sulfides and terpenes. Compared to pollination melon fruits, 13 critical different volatile flavor compounds were screened out in forchlorfenuron application groups by the PLS-DA model, imparting sweet fruity flavor. The results of the current study provide a valuable basis for evaluating the flavor quality of oriental melon after forchlorfenuron treatment.

Automated summary

Aroma is important for the market value and consumer satisfaction of fresh oriental melon, but there is limited research on its volatile flavor and the impact of forchlorfenuron application. This study used E-nose and HS-GC-IMS to characterize the volatile profile of fresh oriental melon after forchlorfenuron application. The analysis showed distinct differences in volatile compounds between the application and pollination groups, with 13 critical different compounds identified in the application group. These findings provide valuable insights for evaluating the flavor quality of oriental melon after forchlorfenuron treatment.