Mineral Analysis of Some Local Cultivars of Melon (Cucumis melo L.)

Abstract: Twenty six cultivars of which twenty four local and two introduced (Yellow canary and Lobnani) were evaluated. In order to study the physicochemical quality of melon, a mineral analysis was carried out. This analysis included sodium, potassium, phosphorus and calcium plus magnesium. Na and K were measured by photometer with flame, phosphorus was determined by spectrophotometer and Ca ++ -Mg ++ were proportioned by a proportioning colorimetric. The result showed that all cultivars exhibited the highest level for Na. K content was higher than 2% in 60% of cultivars. P content was higher than 0.1 % in 70 % of cultivars. Ca ++ -Mg ++ content was higher than 1 meq/l in 50% of cultivars. Analysis of variance and hierarchical classification, according to variations in mineral element between cultivars, were assured with SPSS 12.0. Analysis of variance confirmed significant differences (p < 0:05) between the different cultivar for every parameter