Rapid evaluation of the texture properties of melon (Cucumis melo L. Var. reticulata cv. Green net) using near infrared spectroscopy.

The near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy as the rapid nondestructive method was aimed to be applied for determination of the texture properties of melon intact fruit and pulp including initial firmness, rupture force, average firmness, rupture distance, toughness, average penetrating force and penetrating energy. The data from the reference method of texture analyzer were correlated with the NIR spectral data. The result showed that, only the two properties including rupture force and penetrating force in pulp could be predicted by NIR spectroscopy technique. The determination coefficient of validation (r2 ) for prediction of rupture force and penetrating force in the pulp of melon using intact fruit spectra were 0.850 and 0.845, respectively. The r2 , for prediction of rupture force and penetrating force in the pulp of melon using pulp spectra were 0.813 and 0.778, respectively. This indicated that the NIR spectroscopy protocol developed here was useful for research works such as breeding and postharvest research, the melon processing factory and also the import and export of melon. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The near infrared spectroscopy protocol developed for determination of rupture force and penetrating force in pulp using intact fruit spectra as a nondestructive method will be useful for research works such as breeding and postharvest research, the melon processing factory and also the import and export of melon. There are also the protocol developed using pulp spectra can be used for texture determination of fresh-cut melon.

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