The Development of the Cuticular Wax Layer in Prune Plums and the Changes Occurring in it During Drying

Abstract

The development of the wax layer or bloom has been observed on prune plums throughout the growing season (177 days), using the carbon replica and thin·sectioning techniques of electron microscopy. Changes in their average fresh weight, surface area, percentage of total and soluble solids, and the amount of wax per fruit and per square centimetre were determined also at 12 intervals during their growth.