Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Georgia Ballroom (Sheraton Hotel Atlanta)
Many consumers select watermelons (Citrullus lanatus), based on outward appearance or a prior experience consuming and enjoying a particular variety. Evaluations of most varieties suggest positive correlations between sugar and organic acid content, while pectin, fiber, and juice volume are generally negatively correlated. Additionally, watermelons have been shown to contain significant amounts of the carotenoid pigment lycopene. To test flavor and health compounds as well overall consumer likeability a trial was conducted. Ten varieties were selected from a larger variety trial grown using plastic mulch and drip irrigation in Tifton, Georgia in Spring 2015. Ripe fruit were selected from each of three replicated plots in the field and analyzed for soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity, pH, simple sugars, organic acids, and total anthocyanins. In addition a taste panel was conducted with 14 participants to judge overall likeability. There were significant differences in SSC and total sugars, though the varieties with the highest SSC were not necessarily those with the highest total sugar content. The varieties Joy Ride and Summer Breeze had the highest total sugars, while 7187 HQ had the highest SSC concentration. This suggests that total SSC, typically measured using a refractometer in variety trials may not be necessarily reflective of the total sugar content in watermelons. Total anthocyanin concentrations did not differ significantly among varieties, ranging from 6 to 11.8 mg·L-1 of cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents in USAWX11379 and SV0241, respectively. Though not significant, SSC and total sugar content were positively correlated with taste panel likeability scores, while titratable acidity was negatively correlated to taste panel preferences. This information will be used by growers and seed companies as to select and grow varieties with superior production attributes as well as qualities important to the consumer.