Anatomical Changes Associated with Fruit Development in the Abscission Zones of 'Kinnow' Mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco)

摘要

' Kinnow' mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) is characterized by late maturity and strong alternate bearing. Structural aspects of shootpeduncle and calyx abscission zones are studied during ' Kinnow' fruit development. Small, compactly arranged and irregularly shaped cells with swollen walls were observed in both abscission zones of young fruits in May. Wall lignification, periderm formation and progressive vascularization occurred in AZ-A after June drop. Newly formed secondary vascular bundles comprised the extensive vascularization of AZ-C from the June drop until fruit late maturity. The pith parenchyma cells were gradually transformed into stone cells.