Anatomical Changes in Peel Structure of ‘Hom Thong’ Banana during Fruit Development and Ripening

Abstract

The cellular structure of fruit peel is one of the important factors determining fruit texture, a primary component of fruit quality. In this study, the anatomical alteration in peel of ‘Hom Thong’ banana (Musa acuminata, AAA group, Gros Michel subgroup) during fruit development and ripening was investigated. The result showed that ‘Hom Thong’ banana peel is composed of epidermis, ground tissue, and vascular bundle. The structure of peel changed with regard to number and size of cells during fruit maturation leading to an increase of peel thickness and number of cell layers. Cells in the epidermis, ground tissue, and vascular tissue increased in size with fruit development. In contrast, the reduction of peel thickness, cell layer number, and cell size was observed when ripening initiated. Furthermore, formation of air space increased during ripening. Cell damage and rupture were also found following fruit ripening. Therefore, the alteration in internal structure of peel was associated with changes in external symptoms especially the loss of peel firmness which lead to fruit softening during banana ripening.