QUALIDADE E VIDA ÚTIL PÓS-COLHEITA DO MELÃO 'GOLD MINE' PRODUZIDO NA ÉPOCA DAS CHUVAS

This work aimed to evaluate the quality and that’s shelf life of ‘Gold Mine’ melon (Cucumis melo L. var. inodorus Naud.) that’s cultivated in the rain season. The experiment was carried out at the fruit post harvest laboratory Chemistry and Technology of the Escola Superior de Agricultura de MossoroESAM. The fruits were harvested in Mossoro-Acu, Rio Grande do Norte State. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design in a 2 x 6 factorial scheme with three replications and twelve fruits per plot. The first considered factor was the storage temperature (ambient temperature: 25oC 2oC and 50% 5% U. R and at cooled ambient: 11oC 2oC and 90% 5% U. R) and the second factor was the storage time (0, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days of storage). The following traits were evaluated during this period: weight loss, internal and external fruit appearance, pulp firmness and total soluble solids. The post harvest shelf life of ‘Gold Mine’ melon was esteemed in 30 days for fruits storage at environment and refrigerated conditions, maintaining good external and internal appearance with superior note to 4,0, however with low soluble solids contents, near to 7,8%, and pulp firmness around 18 N, that inadequate for commercialization tha t are long distance.