Relation between lenticel discoloration, resin composition and structure of lenticels in some mango cultivars.
Bezuidenhout J. L. J., Robbertse P. J.
Author Affiliation: Departement Plantproduksie en Grondkunde, Universiteit van Pretoria, Pretoria 0002, South Africa.
Research Journal - South African Mango Growers' Association 24 : 38-42
Abstract : Volatile terpenes in the mango resin can penetrate the fruit through the lenticels, causing their discoloration. Resin in 'Kent' fruit has a lower concentration of the terpenes than 'Tommy Atkins' and 'Keitt' fruit, resulting in less lenticel damage or discoloration in this cultivar. Lenticel discoloration is a natural process in plants, restricting the penetration of microorganisms and foreign materials into the plant tissue. Oxidized phenolic substances in the cell layers lining the lenticels are more effective antimicrobial agents than non-oxidized phenols and serve as a barrier against the penetration of pathogens. Apart from the sub-stomatal lenticells, a second type of lenticel-like opening occur on 'Kent' fruit. These openings develop from resin ducts breaking through the fruit surface. Both structures are lined with suberized (cork) cells and a cuticle, restricting the penetration of microbes and foreign substances, rendering this cultivar less susceptible to lenticel discoloration.