Improving Melon Shelf Life

Melons are best packed in the field to minimize bruising during transportation. They should never be stacked on their ends. The blossom end, in particular, is weak and can be crushed.

Melons are also susceptible to chilling damage, so storage temperatures need to be closely monitored, to improve shelf life.

 

Crop Nutrition and Melon Shelf Life

Nitrogen

Too much nitrogen at later stages of growth can spoil fruit quality by increasing the level of blemish on the rind and encouraging fruit rot. Thus, it is important to confirm rates and timing following local trials that take into account the need for high yield, but also good quality fruit.

Calcium

Poor calcium nutrition results in a wide range of fruit quality problems. The most visible sign of poor calcium nutrition is a collapse during storage. It is followed by a loosening of the seeds in the fruit and in some cases germination of the seeds.

Boron

Boron is important in improving calcium mobility. Like calcium, it has a key role to play in maintaining the integrity of the fruit skin.

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