Characterizing the novel fruit surface morphology of 'Marina' peach using scanning electron microscopy

Abstract

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to compare the novel surface morphology of 'Marina' peach [plant introduction (PI) 133984] to a normal peach ('Contender') and a nectarine ('Sunglo'). Samples were collected before, during, and after anthesis. Compared to 'Contender', 'Marina' showed different trichome structure, lower trichome density, and delayed initiation of trichomes on the gynoecium. No pubescence was observed on 'Sunglo' nectarine at any sampling date. Trichomes were present on the flower bud scales of all three cultivars. Arrangement and structure of trichomes on flower bud scales of 'Marina' differed from those on 'Contender' and 'Sunglo'.