Effect of nitrogen fertilisation levels on melon fruit quality at the harvest time and during storage

BACKGROUND: The quality of melon fruit depends upon many factors that can be affected by growing conditions and post-harvest management. The aim of this work was to investigate the effect of nitrogen fertilisation levels on the fruit quality at harvest time and during storage. Experiments were performed in an open field using melon plants (Cucumis melo L. Var. Reticulatus cv. Prodigio). The nitrogen (N) was applied through fertigation using four fertilisation levels: 0, 55, 110 and 165 kg ha(-1). After harvest the fruits were stored at 10 degrees C for 8 days. At harvest time the yield, flesh firmness, skin and pulp colours, content of carotenoids, total phenols, ascorbic acid (AsA) and ethylene production were measured on fruits differently fertilised. RESULTS: The total marketable fruit yield and fruit nitrogen content linearly increased with N levels. Antioxidant compounds decreased after storage but were not affected by N fertilisation levels. However, total carotenoids, total phenols, and AsA declined during storage. CONCLUSION: All the quality parameters did not appear to be affected by N level at either harvest time or after storage. Therefore it is advisable to reduce nitrogen input for cultivation without compromising quality and yields. (c) 2007 Society of Chemical Industry.