MELON SLIP HARVEST INDICATOR.

摘要

The invention provides a Cucumis melo var. inodorus melon of consistent harvest quality. One embodiment provides use of fruit separation from the stem at harvest maturity to indicate harvest maturity of Cucumis melo var. inodorus melons. In specific embodiments, the fruit separation from the stem at harvest maturity indicator demonstrates harvest maturity on a per melon basis, can be scored visually or by force necessary to remove the melon from the plant, and reduces wounding damage upon separation of the fruit from the vine. Significantly, the invention provides for consistent harvest maturity of Cucumis melo var. inodorus melons that retain flesh firmness at the time of harvest and upon transport to market.