Effect of hydrothermal treatment on the ultrastructure of cuticle of mango fruit.
Petit Jiménez D., Bringas Taddei E., González León A., García Robles J. M., Báez Sañudo R.
Author Affiliation: Universidad Centroccidental Lisandro Alvarado, Barquisimeto, estado Lara, Venezuela.
Revista Cientifica UDO Agricola 9 : 96-102
Abstract : The cuticle is important in the physiology of the vegetables because it acts as the first interaction between the plant and the environment. Structure and chemical composition cuticle varies across of plant developmental stages affecting it's funtion as protector barrier. This study measured the effect of hydrothermal treatment on the ultrastructure of epicuticular wax in the fruits of mangoes (Mangifera indica L.), the cultivar 'Kent'. The fruits were samples from an orchard located in Navojoa, Sonora, Mexico. The fruits of mango 'Kent' in the state of physiological maturity was used and heat treatment was applied by immersion at a temperature of 46.1°C for 75 min. Completely randomized design with five repetitions and random sampling was done. In each sample were determined ultrastructure of epicuticular wax. Results showed differences in the in the settlement of the epicuticular wax the fruits of mango among hidrotermic treatment and without hidrotermic treatment. Fruit treated with hidrotermic treatment, evidenced training parchment type in the cuticle, the orientation of parallel plates and the presence of crystal structures in transition showing an irregular distribution, while the fruits without applying heat was observed an area dense with no structures formation of crystalloids type.