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'.