Assay of a potential post‐harvest handling procedure for cantaloupe Charentais melon fruit with inhibited ethylene production

Antisense ACC‐oxidase Cantaloupe Charentais melons, unsuitable for autocatalytic ethylene production, were harvested at different ages and exposed to a standard post‐harvest manipulation to reproduce the handling chain that occurs from harvesting to retail sale. The stages were as follows: storage in a chamber at 2 °C during 2 or 3 weeks, second storage at 8 °C for 4 days, treatment with 50 ppm ethylene for 2 days and, finally, maintenance at 20 °C for four more days. The date of harvest and the different periods of storage at 2 °C assayed did not affect the final de‐greening of the rind, while the change in pulp colour depended on the harvest date. Storage conditions also influenced the texture of the pulp and acidity. Weight loss was dependent mainly on date of harvest, like soluble solids content, although the period of storage at 2 °C influenced too. The impact of cold on the appearance of the fruits is discussed. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry