Changes in fruit quality as influenced by shading of netted melon plants (Cucumis melo L. 'Andesu' and 'Luster')

Biochemical changes in ripening netted melon fruits (Cucumis melo L. 'Andesu' and 'Luster') as influenced by shading were determined. Shading resulted in a rapid loss of flesh firmness in both cultivars which was positively correlated with ethylene production. The rapid accumulation of sucrose observed by sun-exposed plants was significantly inhibited by shading. Almost no significant difference, however, occurred in glucose and fructose concentrations between shaded and unshaded plants. Shading accelerated the formation of the 'water-soaked' symptom in the flesh. Our results show that sunlight for netted melon plants during fruit maturation is important not only for sucrose accumulation but also for the maintenance of fruit firmness.