Abstract
This study comprehensively analysed the chemical composition of the cuticle in pitaya fruits. The total coverage amount of the waxes versus cutin monomers accumulated at a ratio of 0.6, corresponding to masses per unit of 30.3 μg·cm−2 and 50.8 μg·cm−2, respectively. The predominant wax mixtures were n-alkanes in homologous series of C20–C35, dominated by C31 and C33; as well as triterpenoids with an abundant amount of uvaol, lupenon, β-amyrinon, and β-amyrin. The most prominent cutin compounds were C16- and C18-type monomers, in which 9(10),16-diOH-hexadecanoic acid and 9,10-epoxy-ω-OH-octadecanoic acid predominated, respectively. The average chain length (ACL) of aliphates in pitaya fruit cuticle (30.5) was similar to that estimated in leaf waxes, and higher than that in most of the fruit and petal waxes that have been reported. We propose that the relatively high ACL and wax/cutin ratio might enhance the cuticular barrier properties in pitaya fruit cuticle to withstand drought.
Highlights
Pitaya or dragon fruits are the fruits of Hylocereus polyrhizus (Weber) Britton and Rose (Cactaceae), which was originally cultivated in Central American
The present study aims to analyze comprehensively the chemical composition of cuticular waxes and cutin monomers of pitaya fruit peel
The chemical composition and quantity of the compounds of the cutin matrix involved in the cuticle of pitaya fruits were analysed and detail in this study
Summary
Pitaya or dragon fruits are the fruits of Hylocereus polyrhizus (Weber) Britton and Rose (Cactaceae), which was originally cultivated in Central American. The fruit flesh is used to flavour or colour juices. The potential importance of the cuticular membrane of the peel has not yet been comprehensively investigated. The cuticular membranes covering almost all aerial plant organs, protect the cells from uncontrolled water loss as well as other biotic and abiotic stresses [5]. The functional properties of cuticle are largely related to the chemical compositions and the structural arrangement of the cuticular layers. As a succulent and drought-tolerant plant, H. polyrhizus might possess a well-stated cuticular membrane, which add, besides the protection of fruits against rapid water loss, the maintenance of the fruit taste and flavour. The present study aims to analyze comprehensively the chemical composition of cuticular waxes and cutin monomers of pitaya fruit peel. Agriculture 2019, 9, 250; doi:10.3390/agriculture9120250 www.mdpi.com/journal/agriculture barrier properties in pitaya fruits will be discussed
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