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Abstract: 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated essential oil (EO) formulas with high insecticidal properties, but low physiological impacts on cut Dendrobium Sonia orchid flower. Fumigation toxicities of EOs from 18 medicinal plants at 2.0 and 3.0 µl/L air were examined against adults of thrips (Frankliniella schultzei) and larvae of mealybug (Pseudococcus jackbeardsleyi). The effective EO mixtures, optimal concentrations fumigation and air circulation periods were investigated. Then, field experiments were conducted, and changes in L*, a* and b* values, percentages of weight loss and anthocyanin contents of the EOfumigated flower were observed and compared to the methyl bromide and control fumigations. The results showed that clove and cinnamon demonstrated high insecticidal properties against the insects (>85% mortality) and low physiological changes in the flower. In particular, fumigations with 2.0 µl/L air of a mixture between clove and cinnamon EOs (1:3) for 3 hr with 15- min air circulation demonstrated the highest thrips and mealybug mortalities (92.2 and 74.6%, respectively). The EO fumigation formula presented less impact on color change and anthocyanin content than methyl bromide fumigation which showed higher reduction of anthocyanin content (22.9 mg/100g FW) when compared to the control (13.6 mg/100g FW). The percentages of weight loss in the flower fumigated with EO, control and methyl bromide were about 10.4, 7.9 and 14.8%, respectively. In general, applications of EO at higher concentrations resulted in higher insect mortalities and more impacts on physiological changes which involved anthocyanin degradation and higher percentages of weight loss. Further studies might consider applications of clove and cinnamon EO formulas via other methods. In addition, revisions of the EO mixture can also be examined in order to obtain the most effective and environment friendly insect management approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]