Research Information System
Cucurbitaceae 2010, United States Of America, 1 - 04 October 2010, vol.1, no.1, pp.280-283, (Full Text)
Watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai] fruits from ‘Crimson Tide’ (CT) grafted onto Ferro, RS841, Argentario, and Macis rootstocks and ungrafted CT were compared for their postharvest quality after the following treatments: (1) 7 days at 21°C; (2) 7 days at 27°C; (3) 21 days at 0°C; (4) 21 days at 0°C and subsequent 7 days at 21°C; (5) 21 days at 7°C and (5) 21 days at 7°C and subsequent 7 days at 21°C. Ungrafted CT and the CT/Macis fruits seem to be more susceptible to CI. Grafting did not affect weight loss and incidence of fungal decay and TSS content in watermelon fruits, but affected changes in flesh color and firmness, and pH during storage and shelf life period. Control, the CT/Macis and CT/Argentario fruits were softer than other combinations at harvest and during storage and shelf life. Fruits did not exhibit CI symptoms during 7°C storage and subsequent shelf life period in all combinations, but fungal decay may limit storage and shelf life.