In order to prolong the market life and maintain the health benefits of cantaloupe melon (Cucumis melo L.), the present study compared the influences of three commonly used methods in drying cantaloupe melon slices. Drying methods applied included microwave drying (MD), freeze drying (FD), and hot air drying at 40°C (HD40), 50°C (HD50), 60°C (HD60), and 70°C (HD70). Physical changes such as moisture, color, volume shrinkage ratio, hardness, and rehydration ratio under different drying methods were firstly evaluated. Besides, content of free amino acids, soluble sugar, total phenolics, flavonoids, and some individual bioactive compounds such as ascorbic acid, β-carotene, rutin, gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid were measured. In addition, in vitro antioxidant activities evaluated by DPPH, FRAP and ABTS methods and polyphenol oxidase activities were also determined. On the whole, FD was the best method in maintaining physical changes, content of phytochemicals and antioxidant activities. MD was better than HD in drying cantaloupe melon slices. Of the HD treatments, HD60 was better than others. The findings of the present study can provide the scientific basis for future large-scale production of dried cantaloupe melon slices.

Background: The short strand-related sequence (SRS) gene family is a class of plant-specific transcription factors related to a group of genes known as the short internode (SHI) or SRS/STY gene family, which plays important roles in regulating plant growth and development and stress responses. Although the SRS genes have been studied in many plants, in cucurbit crops, they have thus far only been identified in cucumber. Methods: In the Cucurbitaceae database from melon (Cucumis melo), cucumber (Cucumis sativus), watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), bottle gourd (Lagenaria siceraria), wax gourd (Benincasa hispida), moschata pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata), and pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima), a total of 60 SRS genes were identified in seven Cucurbitaceae crops, which were classified into three subfamilies. Results: The same subfamily showed conserved motifs and gene structures. The differences in the number of SRS genes in different Cucurbitaceae crops implied likely gene loss or duplication events during evolution. Analysis of promoter cis-regulatory elements indicated that these SRS genes may be involved in hormone response, growth and development, and biotic and abiotic stress responses in plants. Most of the CmSRS genes in melons were expressed in the roots, with a few expressed in the leaves and ovaries. In addition, CmSRS expression was induced by biotic (wilt and powdery mildew) and abiotic (drought and salt) stresses. Subcellular localization of CmSRS proteins showed predominant expression in the nucleus. Conclusions: A total of 60 Cucurbitaceae SRS genes are present in the genomes of seven Cucurbitaceae crops. These cucurbit SRS genes seem to have maintained similar characteristics and functions during the evolutionary process. These results lay the foundation for the study of biological functions of SRS genes in Cucurbitaceae crops.

Auxin is a crucial hormone that regulates various aspects of plant growth and development. It exerts its effects through multiple signaling pathways, including the TIR1/AFB-based transcriptional regulation in the nucleus. However, the specific role of auxin receptors in determining developmental features in the strawberry (Fragaria vesca) remains unclear. Our research has identified FveAFB5, a potential auxin receptor, as a key player in the development and auxin responses of woodland strawberry diploid variety Hawaii 4. FveAFB5 positively influences lateral root development, plant height, and fruit development, while negatively regulating shoot branching. Moreover, the mutation of FveAFB5 confers strong resistance to the auxinic herbicide picloram, compared to dicamba and quinclorac. Transcriptome analysis suggests that FveAFB5 may initiate auxin and abscisic acid signaling to inhibit growth in response to picloram. Therefore, FveAFB5 likely acts as an auxin receptor involved in regulating multiple processes related to strawberry growth and development.