Anatomy of Lenticels and The Occurrence of Their Discoloration in Mangoes (Mangigera indica cv. Namdokmai)

Abstract

Lenticels of mango fruit sometimes show discoloration during maturation or after harvest. To investigate the causes of the discoloration of lenticels, microscopical observation of cv. Namdokmai has been carried out. It was clarified that a lenticel developed under each stoma in epidermis. Following the development of fruit lenticel, a hole or opening in it became larger. Cuticular layer covered the surface of fruit except the part of the opening of lenticel. Histochemical staining of discolored lenticel showed the presence of polyphenols as a part of components of discolred cells. Pathological factors were considered not to be the main cause of discoloration of lenticel.