Effects of nitrogen fertilization on aromatic compounds and nutritional quality of melon fruits

A hydroponic experiment was carried out to study the effects of nitrogen fertilization on the aromatic compounds and nutritional quality of the Jingyu Wuhao melon fruits. The results show that under the different nitrogen levels, the varieties and contents of the melons aromatic compounds are significantly different. The contents of the characteristic aromatic compounds, such as Acetic acid 2-methylpropyl ester, Acetic acid butyl ester and 2-methyl-butanoic acid ethyl ester, are increased at first and then decreased under the increase of the nitrogen application levels. Under the 100% nitrogen level, the contents of the characteristic aromatic compounds are relatively high. The sugar refraction, Vc, soluble sugar and sugar-acid ratio of the melon are decreased under the increase of the nitrogen application levels. In conclusion, 200.72401.44 mg/L N are the proper levels of nitrogen fertilization for the high quality and high yield cultivation of melon.