Journal of Horticulture and Postharvest Research

Abstract Purpose: A study was carried out to investigate the influence of different fruit development stages on the physicochemical attributes, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity of two Iranian melon varieties for optimal harvest time. Research method: The research was conducted two times i.e. in 2023 and in 2024. It was a factorial experiment in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications. The factors were developmental stage harvest (three stages, viz., 30, 40, and 50 days after fruit set) and variety (two varieties, viz., ‘Chaghercheh’ and ‘Zamcheh’). Findings: There were significant differences among the different harvest times in all parameters evaluated for both varieties. The fresh weight and related dimensions, and thickness and percentage of pulp of the fruits increased throughout the developmental stages, while fruit firmness, peel thickness, percentages of peel and seed showed a descending trend in the same period. At 50 days after fruit set, both melon varieties exhibited high levels of total soluble solids and pH, but low titratable acidity, resulting in high maturity index. As the fruits developed and matured, levels of ascorbic acid, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity reduced dramatically in both varieties. Also, statistically significant differences were detected between the two melon varieties in all factors measured. The antioxidant activity positively correlated with total phenolics (r = 0.910) and ascorbic acid (r = 0.891). Research limitations: No limitations were found. Originality/Value: Overall, the data of this research revealed that the degree of maturity and the variety are main parameters controlling the physicochemical characteristics, total phenolics, and antioxidant activity of melon. Also, the study provides basis for optimal harvest time for ‘Chaghercheh’ and ‘Zamcheh’ melon varieties.