Abstract
Melon (Cucumis melo L. var. cantaloupensis) is a climacteric fruit that is highly susceptible to post-harvest deterioration. Although early harvesting can extend the shelf life of the fruit, it often results in lower sugar content and poorer flesh color. This study investigated the effects of ethephon and its application time on the sugar content and quality of early-harvested ‘Red Aroma’ cantaloupe fruits during storage. Fruits were treated with 100 ppm ethephon at 0, 3, 6, and 9 days after harvest or left untreated (control). For ethephon treatment, fruits were immersed in the solution for 1 minute and air-dried before storage under ambient conditions (28 ± 1 °C and 80 ± 5% RH) for 21 days. The results showed that ethephon application on day 6 after harvest significantly accelerated sugar accumulation (sucrose, fructose, and glucose) and enhanced flesh coloration, although it also accelerated flesh color degradation. This treatment maintained fruit quality for up to 12 days. Therefore, treatment with 100 ppm ethephon on early-harvested fruit 6 days after harvest is considered most effective in improving sugar content and overall quality of stored fruit.