Structure of the cell wall of mango after application of ionizing radiation

Cells of the mesocarp of mango cultivar Tommy Atkins were analyzed by Transmission Electron Microscope—TEM to evaluate the effects of doses of 0.5 and 1.0 kGy applied immediately after the fruit and after storage for twenty days at a temperature of 12 °C followed by 5 days of simulated marketing at a temperature of 21 °C. No alteration was found in the structure of the cell wall, middle lamella, and plasma membrane of fruits when analyzed immediately after application of doses. The mesocarp cell structure of the cell wall, middle lamella, and the plasma membrane did however undergo changes after storage. Fruits that received a dose of 0.5 kGy displayed slight changes in cell wall structure and slight disintegration of the middle lamella. Fruits that received a dose of 1.0 kGy displayed more severe changes in the structure of the cell wall, greater middle lamella degradation, and displacement of the plasma membrane.

► Mesocarp cells were analyzed by Transmission Electron Microscope—TEM.
► No change in cell wall structure, middle lamella and plasma membrane was found in fruits immediately after irradiation.
► Changes in cell wall structure, middle lamella and plasma membrane happened after storage.
► Fruits subjected to 0.5 kGy showed smaller cell wall change.