Characterization morphoanatomical of the melon gália in the point of harvest

ABSTRACT – The objective of this work was to characterize the morphoanatomical structure of Galia melon, with emphasis in the exocarp and mesocarp, in the harvest point. Melons were purchased from a commercial farm in the Municipality of Mossoro, RN, 65 days of cultivation after sowing. It was carried out in the laboratory, the morphological characterization through the determination of the mass, pulp thickness, longitudinal and cross length, shape relation and reticulation index. Analyses in nuclear magnetic resonance tomography were realized for the determination of the integrity of tissues. The anatomical analyses were realized using light and electron scanning microscopes. The Galia melon, hybrid ‘Solar King’, was charac-using light and electron scanning microscopes. The Galia melon, hybrid ‘Solar King’, was charac-. The Galia melon, hybrid ‘Solar King’, was charac-terized like a fruit of berry type, of spherical format, with middle mass of 1021 g. The images suggest that in the region of the mesocarp, the accentuated metabolism and the advanced maturing in the tissues from the center of the fruit can be responsible for the displacement of the placenta and the soften of the tissues around the internal cavity. The reticulation, together with epicuticular waxes and denser structure of the first parenchymatic layers can contribute to the control of moisture loss of the fruit and the resistance to the mechanicals injuries.Index terms: Cucumis melo L., morphology, harvest.