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Vaccines and antiviral drugs are widely used to treat influenza infection. However, they cannot rapidly respond to drug-resistant viruses. Therefore, new anti-influenza virus strategies are required. Naringenin is a flavonoid with potential for new antiviral strategies. In this study, we evaluated the antiviral effects of naringenin derivatives and examined the relationship between their cellular uptake and antiviral effects. Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells were infected with the A/PR/8/34 strain and exposed to the compound-containing medium for 24 h. The amount of virus in the supernatant was calculated using focus-forming reduction assay. Antiviral activity was evaluated using IC50 and CC50 values. Cells were exposed to a constant concentration of naringenin or prenylated naringenin, and intracellular uptake and distribution were evaluated using a fluorescence microscope. Prenylated naringenin showed strong anti-influenza virus effects, and the amount of intracellular uptake was revealed by the strong intracellular fluorescence. In addition, intracellular distribution differed depending on the position of the prenyl group. The steric factor of naringenin is deeply involved in influenza A virus activity, and prenyl groups are desirable. Furthermore, the prenyl group affects cellular affinity, and the uptake mechanism differs depending on its position. These results provide important information on antiviral strategies.

Background: Plant products, including seeds are an important source of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and energy. This study aimed to assess parasitic contaminations in roasted groundnuts, nabag, and tasali (watermelon seeds) sold by street vendors in Khartoum State, Sudan. Methods: The frequency of parasitic contaminations among all crop products was detected by washing the plants with saline, and then conducting an examination using a formal ether concentration technique (FECT), followed by a saturated sugar floatation technique. Results: The detected parasites belonged to two species: Entamoeba histolytica (33.3%) and Giardia lamblia (15.6%). No helminthic parasites were detected. Mixed contamination of the mentioned parasites was also observed (11.1%). The most contaminated crop was nabag, followed by groundnut, and finally tasali. Conclusion: No relation was established between the positivity of samples for parasites and crop type, Khartoum State city, or seller sex. FECT was more sensitive than the saturated sugar floatation technique as a detection method.

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a valuable horticultural crop with nutritional benefits grown worldwide. It is almost exclusively cultivated as grafted scions onto interspecific squash rootstock (Cucurbita maxima × Cucurbita moschata) to improve the growth and yield and to address the problems of soilborne diseases and abiotic stress factors. This study aimed to examine the effect of grafting (homo- and hetero-grafting) on the transcriptome level of the seedlings. Therefore, we compared homo-grafted watermelon (WW) with non-grafted watermelon control (W), homo-grafted squash (SS) with non-grafted squash control (S), hetero-grafted watermelon onto squash (WS) with SS, and WS with WW. Different numbers of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in each comparison. In total, 318 significant DEGs were detected between the transcriptomes of hetero-grafts and homo-grafts at 16 h after grafting. Overall, a significantly higher number of downregulated transcripts was detected among the DEGs. Only one gene showing increased expression related to the cytokinin synthesis was common in three out of four comparisons involving WS, SS, and S. The highest number of differentially expressed (DE) transcripts (433) was detected in the comparison between SS and S, followed by the 127 transcripts between WW and W. The study provides a description of the transcriptomic nature of homo- and hetero-grafted early responses, while the results provide a start point for the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms and candidate genes for the functional analyses of hetero-graft and homo-graft systems in Cucurbitaceae and generally in the plants.

Biobased plasticizers for polymers is a necessity to replace conventional phthalates based plasticizers. In the present study, Citrullus lanatusseed oil (ECLO) was epoxidized in a magnetically stirred reactor. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films were synthesized using different concentrations of ECLO. At 40% of ECLO, films showed better surface morphology and exhibited maximum strength and elongation at break. Plasticized PVC film shown tensile strength of 18.6 MPa and elongation at break of 136.18%. No migration was observed in water, designating hydrophobic characteristics of the films. In gasoline, acid (Acetic acid) and alkali (Sodium hydroxide), plasticized samples exhibited a low resistance for migration. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed no change in crystallinity of PVC after addition of ECLO. Thermogravimetric analysis presented the plasticized PVC films are thermally stable. Differential scanning calorimetry established the plasticizing effect of ECLO as a glass transition temperature (Tg) of plasticized films was shifted to a lower temperature.Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed interaction of ECLO with PVC as peaks of C–Cl bond (833 cm−1) and CO stretch (1739 cm−1) were detected. Thus, the present study delivered a better substitute for phthalates as it endorses the application of ECLO in the PVC blend as a plasticizer.

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a valuable horticultural crop with nutritional benefits grown worldwide. It is almost exclusively cultivated as grafted scions onto interspecific squash rootstock (Cucurbita maxima × Cucurbita moschata) to improve the growth and yield and to address the problems of soilborne diseases and abiotic stress factors. This study aimed to examine the effect of grafting (homo- and hetero-grafting) on the transcriptome level of the seedlings. Therefore, we compared homo-grafted watermelon (WW) with non-grafted watermelon control (W), homo-grafted squash (SS) with non-grafted squash control (S), hetero-grafted watermelon onto squash (WS) with SS, and WS with WW. Different numbers of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in each comparison. In total, 318 significant DEGs were detected between the transcriptomes of hetero-grafts and homo-grafts at 16 h after grafting. Overall, a significantly higher number of downregulated transcripts was detected among the DEGs. Only one gene showing increased expression related to the cytokinin synthesis was common in three out of four comparisons involving WS, SS, and S. The highest number of differentially expressed (DE) transcripts (433) was detected in the comparison between SS and S, followed by the 127 transcripts between WW and W. The study provides a description of the transcriptomic nature of homo- and hetero-grafted early responses, while the results provide a start point for the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms and candidate genes for the functional analyses of hetero-graft and homo-graft systems in Cucurbitaceae and generally in the plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined the antioxidant activity and micronutrient contents of Citrullus lanatus (watermelon) seed. The dried seeds were pulverized into fine powder and 20 g of it was extracted with methanol. Phytochemical analysis was carried using standard analytical methods while micronutrient analysis was done by digesting the plant sample and analyzing using AAS. The results of phytochemical screening showed that the seeds contained flavonoids and phenols. Micronutrient analysis showed the presence of iron (1.529 mg/kg), cobalt (0.099 mg/kg), copper (0.016 mg/kg), nickel (0.0 18 mg/kg), and chromium (0.063 mg/kg). Iron (Fe) was present in the highest quantity, while copper (Cu) occurred in the least amount. The antioxidant activity increased as the concentration of the sample increased. The antioxidant activity of the sample was higher than the actvity of 2 of the positive controls (ascoibic acid and a-tocopherol) used. Butylated hydroxyl toluene showed the highest antioxidant activity. The study showed that the seeds of C. lanatus is a rich source (reservoir) of micronutrients and has a very high antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Constituents of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) rind were extracted in ethanol and derivatized to produce white water soluble crystals designated as derivatized citrulline. The derivatized citrulline, chromatographic fractions and ethanolic crude extracts from Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) were assessed in the laboratory and screenhouse on possible toxicity to Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & Chitwood). The structure elucidation of the citrulline derivative (CTRL/DRVT) and chromatographic fractions (CMTG/FRCT) were established with spectral data from infrared (FTIR), 1H/13C-NMR spectroscopy as well as gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS). The infrared spectral data of the derivatized citrulline revealed a prominent absorption bands at 3431 cm-1 which is characteristic of N-H stretching vibration of primary amides. The bands at 1506 and 1456 cm-1 further support the presence of an amide group. The major compounds identified from GC-MS analysis of fractions include hydroxycinnamic acid (17.16%) p-anisic acid (16.10%) and chlorogenic acid (16.22%). 1H-NMR data showed chemical shifts at δ 0.85, 0.88, 1.26, 1.33, 1.37, 1.60, 4.6, 4.6 ppm. The resonance at 0.8 - 1.37ppm is attributed to methyl and methylene protons. The down field signals at 4.6 ppm are ascribed to olefinic protons. The derivatized citrulline, had a significant action on percentage mortality of M. incognita juveniles. 19.10% mortality was achieved after 24 hours of juvenile exposure as opposed to 5.57% and 6.13% noted in the fractions and carbofuran (CBFN) respectively. At day six, percentage juvenile mortality in derivatized citrulline was remarkably similar to the observed value in carbofuran. Egg hatch in derivatized citrulline, fractions and carbofuran was inhibited maximally, while hatches were recorded in crude extract and control. In the screenhouse, vegetative growth of Corchorus olitorius (L) plants treated with derivatized citrulline, was appreciable and nematode population was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced in C. olitorius plants treated with chromatographic fractions and derivatized citrulline. The derivatized citrulline prepared in this study by semisynthetic method can serve as an alternative to environmentally hazardous synthetic nematicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Textile dying industries generate an enormous amount of effluent which needs a proper treatment. As previous methods were inefficient in treating them, new alternatives were needed to examine their possibilities of usage in a large scale. Adsorption to low-cost materials like seed powder is one among those alternatives which could be scaled up to treat the industrial scale level without creating an impact towards environment. This could be an added advantage for biodegradability and for easy availability. In this comparative study, we have used different concentrations of Citrullus lanatus and Momordica charantia seed powder to acquire their efficiency in some of the reducing properties like pH, TDS, TSS, chloride, alkalinity, turbidity, colour, total hardness, calcium hardness, magnesium hardness, free residual chlorine and COD. While comparing with the raw effluent it was founded that when the C. lanatus seed powder has some effectiveness in bringing down the reduction percentage of those parameters. When the seed powder combined with the Biofilter column, there occurs a change in the percentage levels of parameters such as colour, turbidity, total hardness and COD to 86.3, 74.9, 83.3, 45.2, 25.5% respectively. Finally, it was concluded that the seed powder along with the biofilter column can be used as an alternative method for treating the dye containing effluents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing realization of nutritional and health benefits, and the potential of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) as a cash-producing crop has renewed interest in reducing loss in its post-harvest handling. Information on the extent of loss in different parts of its post-harvest system under tropical conditions is scarce. Key constraints identified by producers were insect infestation, insufficient working capital, poor handling of produce, lack of access to market, and lack of technology while inadequate access to funds, lack of storage facilities, and poor packaging of produce were identified by marketers. Post-harvest trouble spots were determined through adequate evaluation of the proportion of loss and associated factors along the watermelon supply chain. The majority of producers and marketers experienced loss of up to 40%, some >60%. Interventions in trouble-spots can have an impact on the reduction of post-harvest loss. A better understanding of loss along the supply chain was developed which can lead to the determination of effective strategies to manage watermelon loss in the tropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of e-nose systems as high-throughput tools for volatile profiling in watermelon was investigated focusing on discerning subtle changes induced by the use of different rootstocks. Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) models, both GC-MS and e-nose data, demonstrated moderate performance in classification due to nuanced differences among groups (the same F1 hybrid was used as scion). However, PLS-DA biplots revealed a clear correlation between GC-MS and e-nose data. This methodology enabled the e-nose system to identify the effects of specific root-scion combinations compared to non-grafted controls and detect combinations with more variable volatile profiles. Remarkably, the e-nose system identified samples with anomalous volatile profiles, mirroring the capabilities of GC-MS data. Additionally, PLS models were developed to provide reasonably accurate predictions of key compound contents like geranylacetone, (Z)-6-nonen-1-ol, or (Z)-6-nonenal, crucial for watermelon flavor and taste perception. Overall, this study highlights the potential of e-nose systems in discerning nuanced variations in watermelon volatile profiles affecting aroma. Incorporating volatile profile evaluation capabilities using such systems will significantly optimize quality control processes and plant breeding programs. • The PLS-DA of E-nose data enables high throughput evaluation of volatile profile. • E-nose differentiates the effect of scion-rootstock combinations on volatile profile. • PLS-DA analysis of E-nose data correlated with the results obtained via GC-MS. • Good prediction models developed for indirect quantification of prominent volatiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cucumber moth, Diaphania indica (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), is a major pest of cucurbitaceous plants. The oviposition preference and olfactory response of larvae, mated and unmated male and female adults to volatiles emanating from uninfested and infested plants of four species of cucurbitaceous host plants and odours of conspecifics were recorded. Also the role of experience in the host finding behaviour of D. indica was evaluated. The experiments were done using a wind tunnel, olfactometer attraction assays and oviposition bioassays. The results reveal that fewer eggs were laid on infested plants than on uninfested plants. Females significantly preferred cucumber over squash, melon and watermelon. Cucurbitaceous plants elicited adults of D. indica to fly upwind followed by landing on the plants. The effect of experience on the olfactory preference of D. indica was dependent on the host plant. Females that had experience of cucumber, squash and melon plants were significantly attracted to the same plant, but not in the case of watermelon. Larvae of this pest were attracted only to volatiles of uninfested cucumber, squash and melon, whereas volatiles of conspecifics, infested plants and intact watermelon did not attract larvae. This study is an initial attempt to investigate the role of volatile infochemicals in the host-finding behaviour of D. indica. These results provide baseline information for the development of new control strategies against D. indica.

The southeastern United States produces 50% of U.S. conventional watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) but only 7% of U.S. organic watermelon. Weeds are a major threat to watermelon yield in the southeastern United States, and organic weed control is estimated to cost 20-times more than conventional herbicide programs. The objectives of this study were to determine the optimal weed control regime to reduce hand-weeding costs while maintaining yield and to compare the weed suppression of two watermelon types with differing growth habits in an organic system. In 2014 and 2015, watermelon plots were randomly assigned to the following treatments in a factorial arrangement: vine or compact growth habit; 1.0- or 0.5-m in-row spacing; and weekly weed control (kept weed-free by hoeing and hand-pulling weeds) for 0, 4, or 8 weeks after transplanting (WAT). At the time of the watermelon harvest, not weeding resulted in average total weed densities of 86.6 and 87.0 weeds/m2, and weeding for 4 WAT resulted in average total weed densities of 26.4 and 7.0 weeds/m2 in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Nonetheless, weeding for 4 WAT resulted in watermelon yields and fruit counts comparable to those of weeding for 8 WAT during both years. This partial-season weeding regime resulted in 67% and 63% weeding cost reductions for vine and compact plants, respectively, in 2014, and a 43% reduction for both growth habit types in 2015. In 2015, a separate experiment that evaluated weeding regimes that lasted 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 WAT found that yields resulting from weeding for 3 WAT were greater than those resulting from weeding for 2 WAT. However, the yields did not differ when weeding was performed for 4 WAT and 8 WAT.

Background: Current drugs used for sexual dysfunction have several limitations, necessitating the search for alternative medicine. Aim and Objective: The study investigated the effect of Citrullus lanatus ethanolic seed extract (CLESE) on the sexual behavior and reproductive hormones of adult male Wistar rats. Material and Methods: Twenty-four adult male Wistar rats were randomized into four groups (n=6). Group 1 received saline (1 ml/kg, p.o.) and served as normal control, groups 2 and 3 were given CLESE (500 and 1000 mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 consecutive days. Group 4 received Sildenafil Citrate (SC) (5 mg/kg, p.o.), which served as positive control drug and this was administered 4 h before sexual behavioral test only on days 7 and 14. Sexual behavioral tests were performed in a Plexiglas copulatory arena. Male sexual behavioral parameters were evaluated following one on one exposure of experimental male rats with oestrus induced sexual seeking female rats. Thereafter, rats were sacrificed. Results: CLESE enhanced libido by significantly (p < 0.05) increasing mounting and intromission frequencies relative to normal controls. CLESE also enhanced intromission and ejaculation latencies, but decreased mounting latency and post ejaculatory interval. Serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone were also significantly (p < 0.05) increased. The histological findings showed improved histoarchitecture of the testes and hypothalamic sections. Conclusion: The findings from this study showed that CLESE enhanced sexual behavior via mechanism related to increased serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone and may be useful for men with sexual dysfunction.

In this study, rootstock effects of bottle gourds on nutrient uptake and nitrogen use efficiency of watermelon were investigated. Watermelon seedlings were grafted onto Birecik, Skopje, Emphasis, 216 and FRGold. Non-grafted plants were used as control. The seedlings were transplanted and kept under plastic tunnel until climatic conditions were suitable for watermelon cultivation. Experimental area was amended with doses of 18 kg N da-1, 20 kg P2O5 da-1 and 18 kg K2O da-1 based on soil analysis. No micro-nutrient fertilizer was applied. While total P and 1/3 of N and K were applied as base fertilizer before transplanting, the second and third portions of the N and K were applied 20 and 40 days after transplanting, respectively. The experiment planned as a completely randomized block design and repeated four times, each replication has 15 plants. The seedlings were transplanted with 200 x 50 cm spacing. Macro and micro-nutrient contents were analyzed in fully grown seventh and eighth leaves from soot tips. While N, P, K and Ca contents of the leaves did not show significant differences between graft combinations and control plants, Mg concentration was significantly affected by rootstocks. All graft combinations had higher Fe concentration in the leaf than non-grafted plants. Cu and Zn concentrations showed significant variation based on rootstock. Higher nitrogen use efficiency (ton yield kg N-1) was recorded in all graft combinations as compared to controls. Bottle gourd rootstocks used in this study enhanced the nutrient uptake, plant growth and total fruit yield.

Organic production is a fast-growing sector of agriculture in need of variety evaluations under their unique production systems. This study evaluated 16 watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) varieties for their performance characteristics under organic production practices. Plants were grown on plastic mulch-covered beds on land that had been certified organic in accordance with the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Organic Program. Six of the entries were F1 hybrids; the remaining entries were open-pollinated (OP) varieties. Of the 10 OP varieties, three were considered heirloom varieties, including Cream of Saskatchewan, Georgia Rattlesnake, and Moon & Stars. ‘Georgia Rattlesnake’ was the highest yielding variety and had the greatest average fruit weight. Along with ‘Georgia Rattlesnake’, ‘Nunhems 800’, ‘Nunhems 860’, ‘Orangeglo’, and ‘SSX 8585’ were included in the top five yielding varieties. The top five yielding varieties had fruit size that averaged more than 20 lb. Fruit size correlated with rind thickness, with lighter fruit having thinner rind (Pearson’s correlation, r = 0.779), which is not unexpected. ‘Sangria’ had the greatest average soluble solids content at 11.2%, which was greater than all entries with soluble solids less than 10%.

The economically profitable production of crops is related, among other factors, to seed quality, the production system, and the water used in irrigation or preparation of nutrient solutions. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate the phenology, production, and vigor of seeds of mini watermelons grown in saline nutrient solution and different substrates. In the fruit and seed production phase, the experiment occurred in a greenhouse with five electrical conductivities of water for nutrient solution preparation, ECw (0.5, 2.4, 4.0, 5.5, and 6.9 dS m−1), and two growing substrates (coconut fiber and sand). We evaluated the physiological quality of seeds previously produced under the five electrical conductivities of water and two substrates. High salinities for the hydroponic cultivation of the mini watermelon cultivar ‘Sugar Baby’ accelerated fruit maturation and crop cycle, decreasing fruit size. However, in both substrates, the seed production of mini watermelons, seed viability, and seed vigor occurred adequately with a reject brine of 6.9 dS m−1 in the hydroponic nutrient solution. The seed production of ‘Sugar Baby’ mini watermelons using reject brine in a hydroponic system with coconut fiber and sand substrates is viable in regions with water limitations.

The cotton aphid is one of the main watermelon crop pests and may cause a reduction in productivity due to the suction of sap, the transmission of viruses, and decreased photosynthetic capacity. The objective of this research was to evaluate the feeding preference of the aphid Aphis gossypii and the biometric aspects of watermelon cultivar plants submitted to silicon application. The experiment was conducted at the Institute of Education, Agriculture, and Environment of the Federal University of Amazonas, in Humaitá, Brazil. A randomized complete block design was used for testing preference with choice and a completely randomized design to study the biometric parameters of the plants. The treatments were distributed in a 2 x 3 factorial scheme (with and without silicon and considering cultivars Crimson Sweet, Fairfax, and Charleston). Silicic acid was applied at a 1% concentration directly on the substrate around the plants (equivalent to 1 t SiO2 ha-1), 25 days after sowing. The aphids in the breeding were kept in cucumber plants of cultivar Caipira. The treatments were evaluated through the preference test on watermelon cultivars and biometric studies of plant growth and development. The data were submitted to an analysis of variance, and the means were compared using the F and Scott-Knott tests at the 5% probability level. Silicon does not affect the preference of Aphis gossypii in different watermelon cultivars and negatively affects plant growth and development.

Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), (CL) is an edible f ruit of Cucurbitaceae family. It is cultivated worldwide for it is nutritive and medicinal values. The records of online scientif ic publications on CL were accessed using Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, science.gov, Scopus, and Worldwide science as search engines, were collected f rom January 2010 to April 2021 and analyzed using descriptive statis tics. Emphasis was placed on phytochemical, proximate, antioxidant, and pharmacological published articles on dif ferent parts of CL during this period. A total of 121 published articles that focused on dif ferent parts of CL in the last ten years were retrieved with phytochemicals 17.4% (21), proximate 7.4% (9), antioxidants 6.6% (8), pharmacology 68.6% (83). The pharmacology f ield was subdivided into antimicrobial 14.9% (18), cardioprotective 10.2% (13), reproduction 9.2% (12), toxicology and hepatoprotective 6.6% (8) each, analgesic, and antiinf lammatory 5.8%, neuroprotective 3.3% (4), anthelmintics (0.8%). Considering publications on dif ferent parts of CL, the seed received the highest attention with 42.1% (51) followed by f ruits 35.5% (43), rind 18.1% (22), leaf 2.5% (3) while the least was whole f ruit 1.7% (2). It was observed in this review on published articles that the CL f ruits received the highest level of attention considering the phytochemicals, proximate, and antioxidant components to exhibit good antimicrobial potentials. While the CL leaf received little attention on antimicrobial ability. Also, dif ferent parts exhibited cardioprotective, reproduction, toxicology, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, analgesic, and anti-inf lammatory activities, anti-ulcerative efficacy due to phytochemicals, antioxidant, and proximate constituents in dif ferent parts of CL. It is worth noting that neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, and anthelmintics effects of different parts of CL received little attention. While there is still dearth of information on use of dif ferent parts of CL on cancer investigations and use. This scientif ic review on dif ferent parts of CL had highlighted knowledge gap that still exists on dif ferent parts of CL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fatty acid profile of vegetable oil from seeds of egusi melon (Cucumeropsis mannii Naudin) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai) collected from a local market in Imo State, Nigeria, were analyzed using the GC-MS technique. The study revealed the presence of six (6) fatty acids in each seed oil. Four fatty acids and three fatty acid methyl esters were detected. A total of five (5) similar fatty acids (three (3) saturated and two (2) unsaturated) were detected in both oil, and both seed oils contained one fatty acid not detected in the other. The percentage (%) concentration of saturated fatty acids compounds detected in both oil include Pentadecanoic acid methyl ester (EMO: 4.91; WMO: 4.43), Octadecanoic acid (Stearic acid) (EMO: 3.64; WMO: 41.77), and Methyl heptacosanoate (EMO: 39.16; WMO: 1.32) while the (%) concentration of unsaturated fatty acids detected in both oils includes 11-octadecenoic acid, methyl ester, (EMO: 46.05; WMO:46.28) and Oleic acid (EMO: 4.48; WMO: 3.97). Eicosanoic acid, methyl ester was detected at a concentration of 1.77% in Egusi melon seed oil alone while watermelon seed oil detected n-Hexadecanoic acid at a concentration of 2.22%. The fatty acid profiling of both seed oil revealed fatty acid compounds with therapeutic abilities. This study has provided the scientific backing for the therapeutic uses of both oil and also has compared both oil and predicts a future substitution of both oil in future utilization and at the same time influence their acceptability by the consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Dwarfism in crops is a useful breeding trait. In this study, we aimed to identify a candidate gene controlling semi-dwarfism in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) using a combination of genetic mapping and quantitative trait loci (QTL)-seq. We evaluated phenotypes using an F2 and F2:3 population derived from a cross between a "Bush Sugar Baby" (BSB, semi-dwarf type) and a PCL-J1 (normal type) cultivar. Results indicated that a single recessive gene confers semi-dwarfism in BSB. We constructed a genetic map using 180 F2 plants and 336 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), detected using genotyping-by-sequencing, and mapped the semi-dwarfism locus, sdw-1, between the SNP markers linked by 9.6 cM (0.99 Mb) on Chr. 9. QTL analysis pointed to the same genomic location for sdw-1 using single-marker analysis. Further, based on the QTL-seq, we identified a significant genomic region for sdw-1 that matched with the sdw-1-flanking region in the genetic linkage map. This 1-Mb region was narrowed down by mapping three SNP markers developed from the QTL-seq data. The sdw-1 locus was mapped to the 0.44-Mb genomic region, which harbored 13 genes. One of the 13 genes, ClCG09G018320 (ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter B family member 19), showed the SNPs in its coding sequence, and cleaved amplified APS markers developed from those SNPs co-segregated with sdw-1 in fine mapping using 620 F2 plants. Our results implied that a frameshift mutation in the ABC transporter gene and the resulting alteration in auxin transportation are the most likely to be responsible for semi-dwarfism in BSB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kinesin (KIN) as a motor protein is a versatile nano-machine and involved in diverse essential processes in plant growth and development. However, the kinesin gene family has not been identified in watermelon, a valued and nutritious fruit, and yet their functions have not been characterized. Especially, their involvement in early fruit development, which directly determines the size, shape, yield and quality of the watermelon fruit, remains unclear. Results: In this study, we performed a whole-genome investigation and comprehensive analysis of kinesin genes in C. lanatus. In total, 48 kinesins were identified and categorized into 10 kinesin subfamilies groups based on phylogenetic analysis. Their uneven distribution on 11 chromosomes was revealed by distribution analysis. Conserved motif analysis showed that the ATP-binding motif of kinesins was conserved within all subfamilies, but not the microtubule-binding motif. 10 segmental duplication pairs genes were detected by the syntenic and phylogenetic approaches, which showed the expansion of the kinesin gene family in C. lanatus genome during evolution. Moreover, 5 ClKINs genes are specifically and abundantly expressed in early fruit developmental stages according to comprehensive expression profile analysis, implying their critical regulatory roles during early fruit development. Our data also demonstrated that the majority of kinesin genes were responsive to plant hormones, revealing their potential involvement in the signaling pathways of plant hormones. Conclusions: Kinesin gene family in watermelon was comprehensively analyzed in this study, which establishes a foundation for further functional investigation of C. lanatus kinesin genes and provides novel insights into their biological functions. In addition, these results also provide useful information for understanding the relationship between plant hormone and kinesin genes in C. lanatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing realization in African countries for the need to enhance the production of xerophytic crops, including Watermelon, Citrullus lanatus L., in the face of climate change. The objective of this review is to explore challenges and opportunities in watermelon production in Africa. Watermelon is adaptable to most of tropical, and subtropical, Africa, due to its low water requirement and has the potential to be a commercial crop. However, minimal research has been applied to its breeding and production in the continent. Lack of improved varieties, poor production systems, perishable nature of the fruit, and lack of harvest and post-harvest preservation technology hamper large-scale production. Research, particularly in watermelon production practices and breeding, is needed if its true potential in Africa is to be realized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Polyploidy has played a crucial role in plant evolution, development and function. Synthetic autopolyploid represents an ideal system to investigate the effects of polyploidization on transcriptional regulation. In this study, we deciphered the impact of genome duplication at phenotypic and molecular levels in watermelon. Overall, 88% of the genes in tetraploid watermelon followed a >1:1 dosage effect, and accordingly, differentially expressed genes were largely upregulated. In addition, a great number of hypomethylated regions (1688) were identified in an isogenic tetraploid watermelon. These differentially methylated regions were localized in promoters and intergenic regions and near transcriptional start sites of the identified upregulated genes, which enhances the importance of methylation in gene regulation. These changes were reflected in sophisticated higher‐order chromatin structures. The genome doubling caused switching of 108 A and 626 B compartments that harbored genes associated with growth, development and stress responses. Significance Statement: The work involved transcriptome, methylome and 3‐D sequencing (Hi‐C) of diploid and tetraploid watermelon lines to understand what happens to resistance and growth genes when converting diploids to tetraploids. We identified how these genes switch euchromatin to heterochromatin or vice versa and undergo differential methylation that affects their expression and regulation when the genome is doubled. This work has great commercial importance, as tetraploids are parental lines for seedless watermelons that are consumed by 99% in the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (Fon) as the causal agent of vascular wilt in the watermelon crop (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum and Nakai). Design/Methodology/Approach: A review of scientific literature (scientific books, notes and articles) was carried out about Fon as the causal agent of vascular wilt in the watermelon crop; biology, symptoms, disease cycle, isolation and management alternatives. Results: Fusarium wilt in watermelon is the main fungal disease of this crop worldwide. Necrosis of the vascular tissue and wilt of the plant are the most characteristic symptoms of the disease. There are four races of this fungus (Fon race 0, 1, 2 and 3); the commercial varieties of watermelons have different degrees of resistance to these races. Practices such as the correct diagnosis, use of grafts, solarization, fungicides, biological products and genetic resistance can significantly reduce the impact of the disease on the production. Findings/Conclusions: In Mexico, knowledge about vascular wilt of watermelon is scarce despite this disease being one of the factors that limits commercial production. The greatest knowledge about the symptoms, the fungus's biology, presence and distribution of races, diagnosis and alternatives of Fon management, will allow integrating appropriate management practices that favor the commercial production of the crop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phytoseiid Proprioseiopsis mexicanus has been collected from a wide range of plants in the western hemisphere, including many cucurbit agroecosystems in South Carolina, USA. Our aim was to characterize the lifestyle of P. mexicanus and its potential as a natural enemy of Tetranychus urticae, a common pest in cucurbits. We determined developmental time, pre-oviposition time, and fecundity of females on pollen-only diets from a commercial Typha spp. supplement source, Citrullus lanatus, Cucurbita maxima, Cucurbita moschata, Cucurbita pepo, Delosperma cooperi, Trifolium incarnatum, and on T. urticae and a combination of T. urticae and Typha spp. pollen. Female development time differed based on diet—development was fastest on C. lanatus and D. cooperi diets (ca. 3 days) and slowest on Typha pollen diet (ca. 5 days). Pre-oviposition time was shorter for females fed C. lanatus and T. incarnatum (1.6 days) and longest when fed Typha pollen (3.1 days). Citrullus lanatus, T. incarnatum, and D. cooperi pollen diets resulted in more eggs/day compared to other diets. Cucurbita moschata pollen resulted in the lowest oviposition rate (0.69 eggs/day). Because these pollens varied in size, we examined pollen size as a factor in developmental and reproductive success. With the exception of Typha pollen, small-pollen diets (C. lanatus, D. cooperi, and T. incarnatum) resulted in faster development, shorter pre-oviposition time, and higher fecundity than large-pollen diets (Cucurbita spp.). We concluded that P. mexicanus is a generalist predator that may require pollen for survival and reproduction, but alone this species may not be an effective predator of T. urticae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted at the Department of Olericulture, College of Agriculture, Vellayani, Kerala, to study the effect of fertigation, drip irrigation, and training levels on the yield and quality of watermelon under rain shelter. The treatments were factorial combinations of three fertigation levels (75, 100 and 125 % recommended dose (RD) of 70:50:120 NPK ha-1), two irrigation levels (0.6 and 0.8 evapotranspiration (ET) rates) and two training levels (nipping to one vine, nipping to two vines) arranged in randomized block design with two replications and control with surface irrigation, soil application of fertilizer and horizontal training of vines. Levels of fertigation and irrigation exerted a significant influence on fruit weight and yield plant-1. Total yields were highest at 100 % RD (115.68 t ha-1) as compared to 125 % RD (94.81 t ha-1). The number of fruits plant-1 was unaffected by fertigation and irrigation treatments. Vertical training of two vines in watermelon resulted in the highest number of fruits plant-1 (6.09). TSS was unaffected by fertilization, irrigation, or training levels. Under a rain shelter, lycopene and ascorbic acid levels were affected by a lack of irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

HIGHLIGHTS Callogenesis was induced from watermelon anthers The auxin 2,4-D at 2.0 and 5.0 μM concentrations induced callus formation. Anthers’ responses to the pre-treatment at 4 °C varied according to the watermelon genotype.

Grafting can improve the resistance of watermelon to soil-borne diseases. However, the molecular mechanism of defense response is not completely understood. Herein, we used a proteomic approach to investigate the molecular basis involved in grafted watermelon leaf defense against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. niveum (FON) infection. The bottle gourd rootstock-grafted (RG) watermelon seedlings were highly resistant to FON compared with self-grafted (SG) watermelon plants, with a disease incidence of 3.4 and 89%, respectively. Meanwhile, grafting significantly induced the activity of pathogenesis-related proteases under FON challenge. Proteins extracted from leaves of RG and SG under FON inoculation were analyzed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Thirty-nine differentially accumulated proteins (DAPs) were identified and classified into 10 functional groups. Accordingly, protein biosynthetic and stress- and defense-related proteins play crucial roles in the enhancement of disease resistance of RG watermelon seedlings, compared with that of SG watermelon seedlings. Proteins involved in signal transduction positively regulated the defense process. Carbohydrate and energy metabolism and photosystem contributed to energy production in RG watermelon seedlings under FON infection. The disease resistance of RG watermelon seedlings may also be related to the improved scavenging capacity of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The expression profile of 10 randomly selected proteins was measured using quantitative real-time PCR, among which, 7 was consistent with the results of the proteomic analysis. The functional implications of these proteins in regulating grafted watermelon response against F. oxysporum are discussed.

Grafting watermelon scions to interspecific squash hybrids has been found to increase fruit firmness. Triploid (seedless) watermelon are prone to hollow heart (HH), an internal fruit disorder characterized by a crack in the placental tissue expanding to a cavity. Although watermelon with lower tissue firmness tend to have a higher HH incidence, associated differences in cell wall polysaccharide composition are unknown. Grafting “Liberty” watermelon to “Carnivor” (interspecific hybrid rootstock, C. moschata × C. maxima) reduced HH 39% and increased tissue firmness by 3 N. Fruit with and without severe HH from both grafted and non-grafted plants were analyzed to determine differences in cell wall polysaccharides associated with grafting and HH. Alcohol insoluble residues (AIR) were sequentially extracted from placental tissue to yield water soluble (WSF), carbonate soluble (CSF), alkali soluble (ASF), or unextractable (UNX) pectic fractions. The CSF was lower in fruit with HH (24.5%) compared to those without HH (27.1%). AIRs were also reduced, hydrolyzed, and acetylated for GC-MS analysis of monosaccharide composition, and a portion of each AIR was methylated prior to hydrolysis and acetylation to produce partially methylated alditol acetates for polysaccharide linkage assembly. No differences in degree of methylation or galacturonic and glucuronic acid concentrations were found. Glucose and galactose were in highest abundance at 75.9 and 82.4 μg⋅mg–1 AIR, respectively, followed by xylose and arabinose (29.3 and 22.0 μg⋅mg–1). Mannose was higher in fruit with HH (p < 0.05) and xylose was highest in fruit from grafted plants (p < 0.05). Mannose is primarily found in heteromannan and rhamnogalacturonan I side chains, while xylose is found in xylogalacturonan or heteroxylan. In watermelon, 34 carbohydrate linkages were identified with galactose, glucose, and arabinose linkages in highest abundance. This represents the most comprehensive polysaccharide linkage analysis to date for watermelon, including the identification of several new linkages. However, total pectin and cell wall composition data could not explain the increased tissue firmness observed in fruit from grafted plants. Nonetheless, grafting onto the interspecific hybrid rootstock decreased the incidence of HH and can be a useful method for growers using HH susceptible cultivars.

Abstract Fifty-five watermelon accessions were inoculated in pots using Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum chlamydospores in a completely randomized design with five replications. Among the 42 accessions that were resistant, twelve accessions with a mean score ≤1 were selected for morpho-agronomic characterization. ‘Sugar Baby’ and ‘Charleston Gray’ were used as controls. Field research was conducted over two production cycles in a randomized block design with three replications and five plants per plot. For the characterization 13 quantitative agronomic traits were used. The dissimilarity measures were obtained by the sum of the matrices of standardized mean Euclidean distance. Coefficients of variation ranged from 5.33% (number of days until 50% of plants with at least one female flower) and 17.20% (mass of characterized fruit). In the second cycle, a reduction in days was observed for the flowering. For soluble solids content, the accession BGH-UNIVASF 40 was statistically equal to the commercial cultivars in the second cycle. Accessions were grouped similarly using two grouping methods, Tocher and the farthest neighbor method. The most promising accessions were BGH-UNIVASF 40, 169, 177 and 210 for use in future hybridizations. BGH-UNIVASF 76, 128 and 185 (Citrullus lanatus var. citroides) can be used as resistant Fusarium wilt rootstocks.

O cultivo em vasos com substrato é uma técnica em expansão na produção de hortaliças, porém, para minimelancias, poucos estudos estão disponíveis. Este trabalho introduz o sistema de calhas preenchidas com substrato e com recirculação do lixiviado para esta cultura, como uma alternativa de baixo custo e menor impacto ambiental. Para que o sistema seja viável e possibilite boa produtividade e qualidade dos frutos, vários aspectos devem ser estudados, entre estes, as características físicas do substrato, a possibilidade de reutilizá-lo em cultivos sucessivos e o manejo adequado das plantas. O objetivo do trabalho foi estudar o efeito do sistema de cultivo e da reutilização sobre as alterações das propriedades do substrato de casca de arroz in natura, a produção e a qualidade de frutos de plantas de minimelancia cultivadas com diferentes números de hastes. Dois experimentos, empregando sistemas com recirculação da solução nutritiva, foram realizados. No primeiro, as plantas foram cultivadas em vasos e calhas. No segundo, foram comparados substratos de primeiro e segundo uso no cultivo em calhas. Em ambos os experimentos, foi estudada a condução das plantas em uma e duas hastes. Em relação aos resultados obtidos, no primeiro experimento, o sistema de calhas teve maior impacto positivo sobre as características físicas do substrato, cuja capacidade de retenção de água (CRA) passou do valor inicial de 7,9% para 15,6% ao final, enquanto que nos vasos se elevou a 11,2%. Porém, os sistemas não afetaram a produtividade, com média de 8 kg/m², e a qualidade dos frutos. As plantas de duas hastes apresentaram maior produção de frutos (4,2 kg/planta), com maior conteúdo de sólidos solúveis totais - SST (11,4 oBrix), ainda que sem efeito sobre o peso médio. Porém, as plantas de uma haste apresentaram maior número (7,3 frutos/m²) e produção de frutos (9,7 kg/m²). No segundo experimento, o substrato de 2º uso apresentou maior CRA (12,4%) que o substrato novo (9,9%) e proporcionou melhores resultados de produtividade e qualidade para a maioria das variáveis estudadas, obtendo-se 5,9 frutos e 5,3 kg/m², com SST de 10,5 oBrix. As plantas de duas hastes tiveram resultados melhores de peso médio de frutos e, consequentemente, de produção por planta do que as plantas de uma haste, sem efeitos sobre o número de frutos/planta, o rendimento por m2 e a qualidade.

Watermelon is widely propagated through grafting, after which seedlings are subjected to healing under controlled conditions including artificial lighting. Light wavelengths, such as blue, red, and far-red, impose considerable effects on seedlings, which possibly carry on to the mature plants. The aim of the present study is to examine whether different light wavelengths during healing of grafted watermelon seedlings impose variable effects during field cultivation. After grafting, seedlings were healed in an environmentally controlled healing chamber under fluorescent (FL) lamps and light-emitting diodes, providing 100% red (R), 100% blue (B), 88/12% R/B (12B), and 12B including 5% far-red (12B + FR). After acclimatization, seedlings were transplanted in the field. Vegetative growth until floral initiation was enhanced by 12B and 12B + FR, as shown by stem diameter and leaf number measurements. Flowering was mainly accelerated by 12B + FR and considerably decelerated by FL and B. The same pattern was followed by fruit yield, which was similar for all treatments at the end of the experiment. Nevertheless, fruit quality was not affected by any of the light treatments. It is concluded that a light recipe, including red, blue and far-red, wavelengths during healing of grafted seedlings enhances the overall growth, and flowering and yield earliness of watermelon crops.

Background: Fruit flesh color in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) is a great index for evaluating the appearance quality and a key contributor influencing consumers' preferences. But the molecular mechanism of this intricate trait remains largely unknown. Here, the carotenoids and transcriptome dynamics during the fruit development of cultivated watermelon with five different flesh colors were analyzed. Results: A total of 13 carotenoids and 16,781 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 1295 transcription factors (TFs), were detected in five watermelon genotypes during the fruit development. The comprehensive accumulation patterns of carotenoids were closely related to flesh color. A number of potential structural genes and transcription factors were found to be associated with the carotenoid biosynthesis pathway using comparative transcriptome analysis. The differentially expressed genes were divided into six subclusters and distributed in different GO terms and metabolic pathways. Furthermore, we performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis and predicted the hub genes in six main modules determining carotenoid contents. Cla018406 (a chaperone protein dnaJ-like protein) may be a candidate gene for β-carotene accumulation and highly expressed in orange flesh-colored fruit. Cla007686 (a zinc finger CCCH domain-containing protein) was highly expressed in the red flesh-colored watermelon, maybe a key regulator of lycopene accumulation. Cla003760 (membrane protein) and Cla021635 (photosystem I reaction center subunit II) were predicted to be the hub genes and may play an essential role in yellow flesh formation. Conclusions: The composition and contents of carotenoids in five watermelon genotypes vary greatly. A series of candidate genes were revealed through combined analysis of metabolites and transcriptome. These results provide an important data resource for dissecting candidate genes and molecular basis governing flesh color formation in watermelon fruit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Watermelon is one of the most important and commercialized vegetables in Brazil, being useful to producers, therefore, studies that aim at increasing germination and the vigor of its seeds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological quality of prehydrated and stored watermelon seeds cv. Crinsom sweet. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with four replications, in the 6 x 4 factorial scheme (six soak periods (0, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 hours) and four storage times (0, 15, 30 and 45 days )). Seed quality was evaluated by water content, weight of one thousand seeds, first count, germination test, germination speed index, shoot length and main root, and fresh and dry mass of shoots and roots. The hydration of the seeds for 12, 18 and 24 hours and storage for 15 days favor the germination, fresh mass and seedling length, in addition to reducing the number of abnormal seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cotton aphid is one of the main watermelon crop pests and may cause a reduction in productivity due to the suction of sap, the transmission of viruses, and decreased photosynthetic capacity. The objective of this research was to evaluate the feeding preference of the aphid Aphis gossypii and the biometric aspects of watermelon cultivar plants submitted to silicon application. The experiment was conducted at the Institute of Education, Agriculture, and Environment of the Federal University of Amazonas, in Humaitá, Brazil. A randomized complete block design was used for testing preference with choice and a completely randomized design to study the biometric parameters of the plants. The treatments were distributed in a 2 x 3 factorial scheme (with and without silicon and considering cultivars Crimson Sweet, Fairfax, and Charleston). Silicic acid was applied at a 1% concentration directly on the substrate around the plants (equivalent to 1 t SiO2 ha-1), 25 days after sowing. The aphids in the breeding were kept in cucumber plants of cultivar Caipira. The treatments were evaluated through the preference test on watermelon cultivars and biometric studies of plant growth and development. The data were submitted to an analysis of variance, and the means were compared using the F and Scott-Knott tests at the 5% probability level. Silicon does not affect the preference of Aphis gossypii in different watermelon cultivars and negatively affects plant growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grafting watermelon scions to interspecific squash hybrids has been found to increase fruit firmness. Triploid (seedless) watermelon are prone to hollow heart (HH), an internal fruit disorder characterized by a crack in the placental tissue expanding to a cavity. Although watermelon with lower tissue firmness tend to have a higher HH incidence, associated differences in cell wall polysaccharide composition are unknown. Grafting "Liberty" watermelon to "Carnivor" (interspecific hybrid rootstock, C. moschata × C. maxima) reduced HH 39% and increased tissue firmness by 3 N. Fruit with and without severe HH from both grafted and non-grafted plants were analyzed to determine differences in cell wall polysaccharides associated with grafting and HH. Alcohol insoluble residues (AIR) were sequentially extracted from placental tissue to yield water soluble (WSF), carbonate soluble (CSF), alkali soluble (ASF), or unextractable (UNX) pectic fractions. The CSF was lower in fruit with HH (24.5%) compared to those without HH (27.1%). AIRs were also reduced, hydrolyzed, and acetylated for GC-MS analysis of monosaccharide composition, and a portion of each AIR was methylated prior to hydrolysis and acetylation to produce partially methylated alditol acetates for polysaccharide linkage assembly. No differences in degree of methylation or galacturonic and glucuronic acid concentrations were found. Glucose and galactose were in highest abundance at 75.9 and 82.4 μg⋅mg–1 AIR, respectively, followed by xylose and arabinose (29.3 and 22.0 μg⋅mg–1). Mannose was higher in fruit with HH (p < 0.05) and xylose was highest in fruit from grafted plants (p < 0.05). Mannose is primarily found in heteromannan and rhamnogalacturonan I side chains, while xylose is found in xylogalacturonan or heteroxylan. In watermelon, 34 carbohydrate linkages were identified with galactose, glucose, and arabinose linkages in highest abundance. This represents the most comprehensive polysaccharide linkage analysis to date for watermelon, including the identification of several new linkages. However, total pectin and cell wall composition data could not explain the increased tissue firmness observed in fruit from grafted plants. Nonetheless, grafting onto the interspecific hybrid rootstock decreased the incidence of HH and can be a useful method for growers using HH susceptible cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grafting can improve the resistance of watermelon to soil-borne diseases. However, the molecular mechanism of defense response is not completely understood. Herein, we used a proteomic approach to investigate the molecular basis involved in grafted watermelon leaf defense against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. niveum (FON) infection. The bottle gourd rootstock-grafted (RG) watermelon seedlings were highly resistant to FON compared with self-grafted (SG) watermelon plants, with a disease incidence of 3.4 and 89%, respectively. Meanwhile, grafting significantly induced the activity of pathogenesis-related proteases under FON challenge. Proteins extracted from leaves of RG and SG under FON inoculation were analyzed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Thirty-nine differentially accumulated proteins (DAPs) were identified and classified into 10 functional groups. Accordingly, protein biosynthetic and stress- and defense-related proteins play crucial roles in the enhancement of disease resistance of RG watermelon seedlings, compared with that of SG watermelon seedlings. Proteins involved in signal transduction positively regulated the defense process. Carbohydrate and energy metabolism and photosystem contributed to energy production in RG watermelon seedlings under FON infection. The disease resistance of RG watermelon seedlings may also be related to the improved scavenging capacity of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The expression profile of 10 randomly selected proteins was measured using quantitative real-time PCR, among which, 7 was consistent with the results of the proteomic analysis. The functional implications of these proteins in regulating grafted watermelon response against F. oxysporum are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of a UV-C (0, 2.4, 4.8 and 7.2 kJ m−2) pre-treatment was studied during storage at 5 °C on quality changes of fresh-cut watermelon cylinders with different cut intensities (2.7 cm Ø; 1, 2, 4 or 8 cm length). The steady state of the modified atmosphere was reached on day 4 with 4.5–9.6 kPa CO2 + 14 kPa O2. UV-C treatments were more effective against enterobacteria since enterobacteria counts were better preserved during storage in 4 and 8 cm cylinders under 7.2 kJ m−2. The longest shelf life (7 days), based on sensory quality, was established for the biggest cylinders (8 cm) treated with 4.8 kJ m−2, while it was reduced to 5 days for the remaining UV-C doses, regardless of the cut intensity. Lycopene content (52.1–75.3 mg kg−1) was not affected by radiation treatments. After UV-C illumination, initial total phenolic contents (387–508 mg kg−1) were reduced, reporting less reductions for higher cut intensities. Initial total antioxidant capacity (1.32–2.44 mmol kg−1), mainly due to phenolic compounds and lycopene, was decreased after UV-C treatments. Total antioxidant capacity of UV-C samples was increased (2- to 14-fold) compared with untreated samples throughout storage as an antioxidant response of UV-stressed samples. Conclusively, fresh-cut watermelon cylinders of 8 cm length (2.7 cm Ø) better preserved their quality during storage compared with smaller cylinders, with a shelf life of 7 days when a 4.8-kJ m−2 UV-C dose was applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lycopene is one of naturally occurring carotenoids in plants including watermelon (Citrullus lanatus). Heat, light, and oxygen effect on lycopene isomerization and degradation. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are drug delivery system which can enhance the stability of active compound. Therefore, this study aimed to develop watermelon extract loaded in NLCs for lycopene stability improvement. The NLCs were prepared using a hot homogenization technique. Cocoa butter was used as solid lipid. Grape seed oil was used as liquid lipid. Span® 80 and Plantasens® HE20 were used as an emulsifier. The selected unloaded NLCs contained solid lipid to liquid lipid at the ratio of 3:1 and 10% (w/w) of total lipid. The particle size of watermelon extract‐loaded NLCs (WH‐loaded NLCs) was 130.17 ± 0.72 nm with low PDI and high zeta potential. It also presented high entrapment efficiency. For stability study, the WH‐NLC3 could enhance stability and maintain lycopene content after stability test. It exhibited the highest values of lycopene content (83.26 ± 2.30%) when stored at 4°C. It also possessed a prolonged release pattern over 48 hr. Therefore, the NLCs could improve stability and release profile of lycopene from watermelon extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]