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Title: LYCOPENE DEVELOPMENT IN WATERMELONS

Author
item SHEN, ZHIMIN - OKLAHOMA STATE UNIV.
item ROBERTS, WARREN - OKLAHOMA STATE UNIV.
item DUTHIE, JIM - OKLAHOMA STATE UNIV.
item EDELSON, JONATHAN - OKLAHOMA STATE UNIV.
item PERKINS VEAZIE, PENELOPE

Submitted to: Proceedings of Horticultural Industry Show
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 2/1/2003
Publication Date: 3/1/2003
Citation: SHEN,Z., ROBERTS,W., DUTHIE,J., EDELSON,J., PERKINS VEAZIE,P.M., LYCOPENE DEVELOPMENT IN WATERMELONS, PROCEEDINGS OF HORTICULTURAL INDUSTRY SHOW, 2003.

Interpretive Summary: Watermelons contain substantial amounts of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. This study was done to determine when lycopene accumulates in watermelon, and at what stage the maximum lycopene content is found. Sangria, a seeded melon, was sampled for lycopene content from 20 to 60 days post pollination. Lycopene was detected at 20 days post pollination in watermelon seed cavities. Relatively little change in lycopene content was seen as fruit became overripe. These results indicate that the lycopene content in watermelon is highest from ripe through overripe stages.

Technical Abstract: Watermelon contains 40-50 ug/g of lycopene, a carotenoid pigment found in only a few fruits and vegetables. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant and extraction of this pigment for use as a supplement offers potential for a value-added product from watermelon. This study was done to determine the maturity stages where lycopene content reaches its maximum levels. Sangria watermelons were sampled for total soluble solids and lycopene from 20 to 60 days post anthesis. Lycopene was detected in the seed cavities at a very early stage, and increases between ripe and overripe stages were less significant than gains made between unripe and ripe stages. Total soluble solids (sugars) were correlated to lycopene production. These results indicate that watermelon lycopene will not increase substantially in melons left in the field past their prime market period.