Scanning Electronic Microscope - SEM evaluation of epicuticular waxes in 'Tommy Atkins' mango with brown spots.
Gazzola R., Alves R. E., Filgueiras H. A. C.
Author Affiliation: Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical, C.P. 3761, 60511-110, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil.
: 651-654
Abstract : Mango growers in Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil, are facing a new problem, i.e. the brown spots that appear in fruits before harvest. Fruits of mango cv. Tommy Atkins at harvest maturity usually display a red blush in the peel whose extension vary according to sun exposure among the factors. The differences between affected and non-affected fruits and between green and red areas of the peel were investigated. A wax-covering layer was observed in the green mango peel. The wax, however, was in crystalline state, easily breakable and loosening. Scanning electron microcopy images showed that although waxes covered the peel surface there were areas of unprotected skin that coincided with the brown spot. In the red peel without spots it could be observed that the breaking (or micro-crack) starts from the stomata. In the red peel with spots waxes did not cover the spot area and stomata were closed.