Influence of Organic Fertilization on Nutritional Characteristics and Antioxidant Capacity of Melon Fruits

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the influence of organic fertilization on nutritional characteristics and antioxidant capacity of three melon varieties fruits (Cucumis melo L.) - Hybrid 15 F1, Desserten 5, and Galia. The trials were carried out under greenhouse conditions in the infested with root-knot nematodes soil. Galia was grown with mineral fertilization. The other two varieties were treated with organic fertilizers - Liquid “Humus Active” during vegetation and Neem cake twice - before planting and during flowering. The dry matter, ash, titratable acidity, pH, carbohydrate, protein, lipid content, pigments, total phenols, and total flavonoids, and the antioxidant capacity were evaluated. Desserten 5 demonstrated the highest sugars content – sucrose (5.32 g/100 g), glucose (1.35 g/100 g) and fructose (2.51 g/100 g), as well as the highest carotenoids (90 μg/100 g fw), total phenols (540 mg GAE/100 g fw), and total flavonoids content (73 mg QE/100 g fw) and antioxidant capacity(25 mM TE/100 g). The results revealed that the nutritional value of melon fruits could be improved by using organic fertilization for the production of foods for healthy nutrition.