Speaker
Description
Melon (Cucumis melo) is the most widely consumed fruit, with undeniable socioeconomic and nutritional importance, as proven by its large acreage (1 Mha) and output (28 Mt). However, melon farming has three challenges: producing enough to meet rising consumer demand, increasing the concentration of human wellness compounds, and reducing chemical inputs. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential effectiveness of two arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), Rhizophagus irregularis (Ri), Funneliformis mosseae (Fmo) and their complex, in boosting yield and quality characteristics in the melon variety 'Ananas' cultivated in a greenhouse. Obtained results showed that inoculated plants exhibited higher production and fruit quality than the control. Indeed, Ri-plant exhibited the highest increases in yield (54%), fresh weight (65%), longitudinal (20%) and equatorial (33%) perimeters, Brix degree (20.6%), polyphenols (315.4%), carotenoids (353%), proteins (209.1%), flavonoids (114.38%), ascorbic acid (31.3%), reducing power (77.04%) and DPPH radical inhibition (16.43%), and the highest decrease in titrable acidity (62.5%). In addition, Ri-plant fruits were highly rated by participants in the sensory evaluation test. Therefore, R.irregularis application could be recommended for the sustainable production of high-quality fruits of melon.
