Anatomy of lenticels and the occurrence of their discoloration in mangoes (Mangifera indica cv. Namdokmai).
Tamjinda B., Sirphanich J., Nobuchi T.
Author Affiliation: Department of Horticulture, Kasetsart University, Kamphaengsaen Campus, Nakhom Pathom 73140, Thailand.
Kasetsart Journal, Natural Sciences 26 : 57-64
Abstract : The occurrence and development of lenticels on the fruits of 2 mango cultivars (Namdokmai and Falan), grown in Thailand, were studied. Falan fruit lenticels do not discolour, but those of the Namdokmai fruits show discolouration during maturation. The anatomy of the lenticels of developing and mature Namdokmai fruits was investigated, and compared with that of lenticels from mature Falan fruit. Falan lenticels, which protruded from the surface of the fruit, were characterized by regularly arranged cells, a shallow lenticel hole, and cells with a thick cell wall separating the lenticel from the fruit cortex. Namdokmai lenticels did not have this structure; the lenticel contained many intercellular spaces and was mechanically weak. Histochemical staining of discoloured lenticels indicated that polyphenols were involved.