THE USE OF POSTHARVEST TREATMENTS TO EXTEND STORAGE LIFE AND TO CONTROL POSTHARVEST WASTAGE OF HONEYDEW MELONS (CUCUMIS-MELO L VAR INODORUS NAUD) IN COOL STORAGE

Three trials were undertaken to study storage conditions and handling procedures required to maximise the postharvest storage life of honeydew melons (Cucumis melo L. var. inodorus Naud.). Honeydew melons treated with chlorine (1000 mg/L), benomyl (250 mg/L) + guazatine (500 mg/L), shrink wrap (17 -mu-m Cryovac XDR film), Semperfresh, wax, or combinations of these treatments were stored at 4 or 8-degrees-C, for 4 or 6 weeks. Benomyl plus guazatine reduced the development of storage rots associated with Alternaria and Fusarium spp. The use of shrink wrap and wax reduced water loss by melons but increased fungal infection in some cases. Shrink wrapping combined with the fungicide treatment effectively reduced the incidence of fungal breakdown in the storage period for up to 4 weeks. Wax coating with full strength Citruseal wax caused anaerobic tissue breakdown. Melons were affected by chilling injury at 4-degrees-C. Control of bacterial rots with benomyl + guazatine or with chlorine was variable. Semperfresh did not reduce the incidence of fungal breakdown or water loss from the melons. The results indicate that storage of honeydew melons for 4 weeks at 8-degrees-C by pretreating with fungicide is possible but the melons soften and rot after 6 weeks, making them unsaleable. Four weeks should be adequate to allow for sea freighting of honeydew melons to markets in South East Asia. Further research is required to determine the optimum storage temperature for honeydew melons.