A Scanning Electron Microscope Study of the Formation and Surface Characteristics of the Peel of the Banana Fruit During Its Development

Peel samples of the banana fruit were taken at 3-wk intervals during a 6-mo fruit development cycle. Changes in epidermal cells and epicuticular surface were studied by scanning electron microscopy. Cell divisions occurred before emergence of the immature bunch from within the pseudostem. Before bunch emergence no visible epicuticular structures were present on the fruit surface. Within the 21-d period after bunch emergence, unstructured ridges formed on the epidermal cells and were covered with epicuticular wax. Cell expansion at the fruit surface occurred throughout fruit development. Three weeks after fruit harvest (168 d after bunch emergence) the ridges on the epicuticular surface of the banana fruit flattened, and the cells were elongated parallel to the circumference of the fruit.