title: Analytical traceability of melon (Cucumis melo var reticulatus): proximate composition, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant capacity in relation to cultivar, plant physiology state, and seasonal variability.
abstract: Two morphologically different cultivars of Italian melons (Baggio and Giusto) were characterized considering samples harvested in different times, at the beginning (BPP) and at the end of the physiological plant production period (EPP). Proximate composition, protein, minerals, pH, phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, condensed tannins, and flavonoids were measured, showing a significant decrease in EPP samples (phenolics, antioxidant capacity, condensed tannins, and flavonoids); ascorbic acid decreased in Giusto cv, carotenoids in Baggio cv. Mineral content increased in either the cultivars (EPP samples). Year-to-year difference was significantly highlighted; the plant growing cycle significantly affected the chemotype. Despite these effects, the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) permitted the discrimination of Baggio from Giusto cv, and the discrimination of BPP from EPP samples as well.
authors.affiliation: Dipto di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Univ degli Studi di Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17/19, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
authors.forename: Annalisa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maietti
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Tedeschi
authors.forename: Caterina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Stagno
authors.forename: Matteo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bordiga
authors.forename: Fabiano
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Travaglia
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Locatelli
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Arlorio
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Brandolini
mesh_terms: D000975:Antioxidants / Q000032:analysis*; D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000032:analysis; D002338:Carotenoids / Q000032:analysis; D028463:Cucumis melo / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000254:growth & development*; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D005419:Flavonoids / Q000032:analysis; D005513:Food Inspection; D005638:Fruit / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000254:growth & development*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007558:Italy; D008903:Minerals / Q000032:analysis*; D009753:Nutritive Value; D010636:Phenols; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D025341:Principal Component Analysis; D044945:Proanthocyanidins / Q000032:analysis; D012621:Seasons; D013045:Species Specificity; D013054:Spectrophotometry, Atomic
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D004044:Dietary Proteins; D005419:Flavonoids; D008903:Minerals; D010636:Phenols; D010940:Plant Proteins; D044945:Proanthocyanidins; D002338:Carotenoids; D001205:Ascorbic Acid