This research evaluated changes in the cell wall components in ‘Galia’ melons (Cucumis melo L. var. reticulatus) during refrigerated storage (7°C±1, RH: 88% ±3). Cell wall material and their fractions were determined by gravimetry method. Neutral sugars in hemicellulosic fraction and cellulosic residue, uronic acids content and degree of esterification in pectic fraction, , total calcium and bound calcium were analyzed. The pectic fraction was analyzed by gel chromatography and neutral sugars in hemicellulosic fraction were analyzed by gas chromatography. Cell wall material content showed minimum variation during storage. The major variations occurred in cell wall fractions (pectic, hemicellulose and cellulose fractions), decreasing in the former two during storage and increasing in the latter. Non cellulosic neutral sugars content showed reduction tendency only in two former storage weeks. Practically, the degree of esterification (degree of methylation) in pectic substances and bound calcium did not change. Gelic chromatography revealed dispolymerization trend in pectic substances. There were no variation in the xylose and glucose contents. This was the major characteristic related with softening process during storage.
Cucumis melo; cell wall; pectic substances; degree esterification
