The purpose of this research was to examine the postharvest quality of 'Galia' melon, hybrid Nun 1380, at refrigerated storage (7 ±1°C, RH 88 ±3%). This study was carried out in Lavras-MG with fruits from Polo Agricola Mossoro-Assu-RN. Fruits were harvested at maturation stage II and selected for good external characteristics. Fruits were treated with prochloraz (300ml.f) and dried at room temperature. After packing fruits were transported to Lavras-MG. The experiment was carried out in a complete randomized design with eight treatments (eight storage times: 0, 5, 10,15,20,25,30 and 35 days). Reduction in fruit wheight and flesh firmness were observed during storage period. There was no association between softening of fruits and increasing of soluble pectin. The pH and titratable acidity did not change during storage. Soluble solids content, total sugars and non-reducing sugars decreased significantly (p<0,05) during storage, but reducing sugars content was not affected by the storage period. The contents of total vitamin C and total chlorophyll decreased during storage. The storage period of'Galia' melon was reduced to 26 days. After this period the internal fruit appearance decresed (25 days of storaging - 7±1°C, RH 88 ±3% - plus one day prior to storage).
Cucumis melo L.; post-harvest; refrigeration.