Project Number: 1935-41420-011-01
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Mar 15, 2003
End Date: Aug 31, 2006

Objective:
1) Evaluate biofilm formation by Salmonella serotypes on cantaloupe; 2) investigate survival, aggregation and biofilm development on disinfection efficacy to Salmonella serotypes on cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon; and 3) evaluate the impacts of interventions to disinfect whole and fresh cut melons on product quality, shelf-life or sensory attributes in coordinated cross-lab studies.

Approach:
Determine the role of cellulose and curli fimbriae production by salmonellae in biofilm formation using the glass adherence assay. Determine the ability of biofilm-deficient as well as biofilm-forming salmonellae to multiply and survive sanitation on melon surfaces. Determine efficacy of disinfection treatments including water at 76 degree C, 200 ppm chlorine solution, and chlorine dioxide gas in reducing populations of native microflora and human pathogens on cantaloupes, honeydew melons, and watermelons. Determine whether treatments shown to be effective in decontaminating melons have any adverse effects on visual or sensory quality or shelf-life.