Fruit Cuticle Thickness and Anatomical Changes in Pedicel Xylem Vessels Influence Fruit Transpiration and Calcium Accumulation in Cranberry Fruit.

Ca is a key nutrient for fruit quality due to its role in bonding with pectin in the cell wall, providing strength through cell-to-cell adhesion, thus increasing fruit firmness and extending post-harvest life. However, Ca accumulation is mostly limited to the initial stages of fruit development due to anatomical and physiological changes that occur as fruits develop. The objective of this study was to evaluate fruit transpiration, cuticle thickness, and pedicel vessel changes during cranberry fruit development and the effect these parameters might have on Ca translocation.