Internal breakdown in mango fruit: symptomology and histology of jelly seed, soft nose and stem-end cavity.
Raymond L., Schaffer B., Brecht J. K., Crane J. H.
Author Affiliation: Tropical Research and Education Center, University of Florida, 18905 SW 280 Street, Homestead, FL 33031, USA.
Postharvest Biology and Technology 13 : 59-70
Abstract : Fruits of many mango cultivars are susceptible to an internal disorder often referred to as either jelly seed, soft nose or stem-end cavity (SEC), depending on the symptoms that appear when fruits are cut open. It has not been determined whether jelly seed, soft nose and SEC are different disorders or different symptoms of the same disorder. Sections of fruit mesocarp from the cultivars Irwin, Tommy Atkins and Van Dyke were examined by light microscopy to characterize the disorder and discern histological differences or similarities among fruits with each of the 3 types of symptoms. Jelly seed and SEC affected fruits during early fruit ontogeny, whereas soft nose symptoms were detected only in fully developed fruits. No major microscopic differences were detected among fruits with jelly seed, soft nose or SEC. In fruits with each type of symptom, disorganization of the cells and rupture of the cell walls were the first microscopic indicators of the disorder, followed by deterioration or dissolution of vascular connections between the stone and the mesocarp. SEC resulted in necrosis of the mesocarp around the cavity. No cavity or tissue necrosis developed around the stone in fruits affected with jelly seed or soft nose. The presence of Ca oxalate crystals was observed only in fruits with SEC. Based on temporal and spatial differences in symptom development within the fruits, it appears that soft nose, jelly seed and SEC may be classified as separate disorders.