The Surface Waxes of the Sultana Vine (Vitis Vinifera Cv. Thompson Seedless)

Abstract

The surface wax from leaves, fruits, and stems of the sultana vine obtained by extraction with cold chloroform has been analysed by chromatographic methods. The composition of the hydrocarbon, alcohol, and acid fractions was determined by gasliquid chromatography. No considerable changes in the amount of wax during fruit or leaf development has been observed. Leaves were found to have only 0·008-0·011 mg wax per square centimetre, whereas 0·09-0 ·11 mg wax per square centimetre was found on grapes. The surface wax of grapes at all developmental stages contained oleanolic acid as the major constituent, but this compound was present only in small amounts on leaves. That part of all waxes soluble in light petroleum had a similar composition.