Monitoring of the elasticity index of melon fruit in a greenhouse

Abstract

A portable device for measuring an elasticity index in the field was newly developed. The portable device produces accurate and reproducible measurements of the elasticity index of melon fruit. Using this device, changes in the elasticity index during cultivation were investigated. The elasticity index essentially decreased in the early development of the fruit, but showed a fluctuating level in the late stage of development. Each elasticity index of the fruit at different flowering dates, cultivars, and locations in the greenhouse was monitored. It was also shown that the change in the elasticity index within a day was not due to variation in ambient temperature.