The Structure of the Cuticular Wax of Prune Plums and its Influence as a Water Barrier

Abstract

Wax on the surface of prune plums, sampled from 2 weeks before fruit was mature until 2 weeks after, was shown by electron microscopy, using the carbon· replica technique, to occur in a two-layer structure. The iruier layer consisted of a matrix of thin platelets, while the outer layer was composed of fragile projections, many of which appeared tubular. The incidence and complexity of the projections in the outer layer increased as the fruit matured.