Revealing the crucial role of cuticular wax components in postharvest water loss in passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims.)

Abstract

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims.) is highly prone to water loss and shrinkage after harvesting. The fruit cuticle serves as a crucial barrier to prevent non-stomatal water loss. However, the impact of cuticle on water loss in passion fruit remains unclear. Therefore, the present study primarily focuses on the influence of the cuticle on postharvest water loss of passion fruit, specifically emphasizing the changes in cuticular wax components. Our results showed that both the thickness and content of cutin decreased during storage. The degradation of wax components exhibited a similar trend to fruit water loss. At the end of the storage, n-triacontane content was stored at 25 °C retained 2.8% of that at 7 °C. Follwed by stearic acid, palmitate, and so on, with amounts at 25 °C are 9.3% and 13.8% at 7 °C, respectively. Interestingly, the reduction of amides, erucamide and hexadecanamide lead to water loss in fruit. So far as we know, this is the first report demonstrating that cuticle amides influence water loss in fruit. This study provides new insights into the role of cuticle in the water loss of passion fruit.