Scientific Basis of a Unique Formulation for Reducing Sunburn of Fruits

Abstract

Sunburn, a major type of solar radiation injury, causes large economic losses of several fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals. Sunburn necrosis occurs in attached apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) when excess solar radiation is converted to heat energy and causes a high fruit surface temperature (FST). When the FST reaches ≈52 °C, thermal death of cells is induced and sunburn necrosis appears later. A second type of sunburn, sunburn browning, is caused by the combination of high FST (46 to 49 °C) and high solar radiation. Cell death is not induced, but several pigment changes occur and the apple peel typically turns yellow or brown. The objective of this study was to develop a unique technology for protection of apples from sunburn necrosis and sunburn browning. Natural waxes in the cuticle and pigments in the upper epidermis of apple, which reflect and absorb ultraviolet radiation, attenuate only part of the harmful ultraviolet radiation. I hypothesized that applying additional wax as a sprayable emulsion would augment natural waxes in the cuticle and that addition of reflective compounds to the wax emulsion would reduce the heat load on the fruit. Synthesis of a formulation of this composition would be unique for plants and would be akin to sunscreens used by humans that generally contain organic (chemical) compounds to absorb harmful ultraviolet radiation and inorganic (physical) compounds to scatter, block, and/or reflect solar radiation. Emulsified carnauba wax, a natural plant wax, decreased transmission of ultraviolet radiation; addition of emulsified, organically modified clay to the wax emulsion enhanced reflectivity. When combined into a sprayable formulation, the carnauba wax and organoclay emulsion was more effective in protecting apples from sunburn browning than from sunburn necrosis. Spraying the unique formulation on apple trees caused no phytotoxicity on either leaves or fruit and did not decrease leaf chlorophyll fluorescence or whole-tree gas exchange, indicating no effect on photosynthesis or transpiration of apple trees. The unique formulation is patented as a sunburn protectant for fruits and vegetables and is marketed in several countries as RAYNOX®.