Abstract:

Weiying watermelon in Sihong County is a national geographical indication agricultural product and a local specialty industry. In order to select more suitable small fruit watermelon varieties for planting in Weiying town, varieties of ‘Yuyi Heixiaobao’, ‘Taiwan Xiaolan’, ‘SP600’, and ‘Sumeng No.6’ were selected as the research objects. By comparing the differences in sensory and nutritional quality indicators of watermelons, and using sensory evaluation correlation, and principal component analysis and other multivariate analysis methods, the comprehensive evaluation of small fruit watermelons in Weiying town was carried out. The results showed that there were certain differences in the quality characteristics of the four small fruit watermelons. The sensory score of ‘SP600’ and ‘Yuyi Heixiaobao’ ranked first and second. ‘SP600’ had the highest content of sucrose, soluble solids, vitamin C and soluble dietary fiber. ‘Yuyi Heixiaobao’ had the highest content of sugar-acid ratio. ‘Taiwan Xiaolan’ had the highest content of organic acids and minerals. Sensory score was significantly correlated with sucrose glucose, total acid, sugar-acid ratio, and mineral content. Soluble solids were significantly correlated with sucrose, glucose, vitamin C and soluble dietary fiber. Minerals were significantly correlated with malic acid and total acid. Based on the principal component analysis, ‘SP600’ and ‘Yuyi Heixiaobao’ are more suitable for and planting in Weiying town, Sihong County.

Key words: small fruit watermelon, geographical indications of agricultural products, varieties, quality, comprehensive evaluation, correlation, principal component analysis