Pg. 31-33 A preliminary study on the changes of epicuticular wax layer of Litchi (Cv. Mauritius) with respect to commercial packing line operations

All plant surfaces are covered by epicuticular wax that plays an important role in plant defense mechanisms. A scanning electron microscopy study was carried out as a preliminary investigation to observe the changes of the litchi epicuticular layers during handling and packing line practices. Although micro cracking was observed in mature fruit, it was more prominent in commercial sulfur dioxide fumigated fruit. In addition, rough handling during packing contributed to more micro cracking.