Vol. 80 No: 6

Title:
Ultrastructure of epicuticular wax aggregates during fruit development in apple (Malus domestica Borkh.)

Author:
ERIC A CURRY

pp: 668-676

Abstract:
Development of wax platelets on the surface of ´Delicious` (Malus domestica Borkh.) apple fruit was investigated throughout the growing season using field emission scanning electron microscopy. At 5,000 × and greater, wax crystalline structures appeared to be composed of microtubules (MT), aggregates of individual MT to form single platelets, and of one or more platelets.The thickness of a single wax platelet ranged from 116-128 nm, approximately the diameter of a single MT; whereas multiple-platelet aggregates ranged in thickness from 307-428 nm. Individual platelets, multiple platelet aggregates and MT were visible throughout fruit development, as well as on different apple cultivars. Examination of the cuticle from young fruitlets (receptacle diameter = 3 mm) of ´Chinese Crabapple` (M. hupehensis Rehd.), which develops without trichomes, best demonstrated early platelet formation. A model for wax platelet and cuticle development on apple is proposed based on these data.

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