Chlorella Foliar Application Promote Growth and Post-Harvest Storage Characteristics in Melon

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the appropriate concentration of chlorella foliar application to promote the growth and post-harvest storage of melons. The SPAD values and the number of leaves were higher in the groups treated with 250 and 500 times diluted chlorella solution compared to the other treatment groups. Based on the results of the leaf number, it is anticipated that chlorella foliar application can have a positive effect on reducing the phenomenon of defoliation. The fresh weight and ratio of dry weight showed the lowest values in the untreated control group, whereas the groups treated with 250 and 500 times diluted chlorella solution exhibited the highest values. The Brix of melons rapidly decreased from six days storage, with the fruits in the untreated group showing the lowest values. The internal hardness of the fruits was highest in the 250 times diluted chlorella solution treated group after 12 days of storage, but from the 14th day onwards, it decreased overall. In contrast, the external hardness of melons in the untreated group continuously decreased compared to that in the treated groups after 12–17 days of storage, showing significantly lower values. The total polyphenol content in fruits was highest in the 500 times diluted chlorella solution compared to the other treatment groups. The free sugar content of fruits treated with 250 times diluted chlorella solution was higher than in the other treatment groups. The polyphenol, sucrose, and glucose contents were most effective in the chlorella-treated groups at concentrations of 250, and 500 times diluted chlorella solution, respectively. Leaf numbers were most effective at 1,000 and 500 times, while ratio of dry weight was most effective at 250 and 500 times. And Internal hardness and Brix were most effective at 1,000 times. In conclusion, the comprehensive analysis of all experimental results indicates that all chlorella-treated groups exhibited greater efficacy compared to the control group. Therefore, chlorella, which exerts a positive influence on the growth and postharvest storage of melons, can serve as a complementary biofertilizer to supplement chemical fertilizers. As a result, it is believed that foliar application of chlorella can offer consumers healthy, safe, and high-quality agricultural products.