Packages of fresh-cut 'Piel de Sapo' melon were stored under 2.5 kPa O-2 + 7 kPa CO2, 21 kPa O-2, and 70 kPa O-2 atmospheres for 35 days at 4 degrees C. A mathematical procedure was tested to model changes of in-package O-2 and CO2 concentrations throughout storage, in order to predict the respiratory activity of the commodity. The relationships between respiratory activity and quality parameters of fresh-cut 'Piel de Sapo' melon were also assessed. A 70 kPa O-2 atmosphere reduced CO2 production rate during 14 days, as well as prevented ethanol production during 3 weeks of storage. On the other hand, fermentative pathways were triggered under a 2.5 kPa O-2 + 7 kPa CO2 atmosphere. Although 70 kPa O-2 levels involved a high O-2 consumption and a decrease in the soluble solids content, the use of super-atmospheric O-2 atmospheres are proposed to reduce CO2 production rates, avoid fermentative reactions and, maintain firmness and chewiness of fresh-cut 'Piel de Sapo' melon for 2 weeks of storage. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.