Fig. 4

Comparison of the developmental, cuticle and epidermal phenotypes of shn2 mutant and wild-type (WT). A-C The shn2 mutation has no effect on the architecture of 6 weeks-old plants (A) and on the morphology of the fourth leaf (B) and flower at anthesis (C). D Variability in fruit colour and glossiness of shn2 fruits. E Microscopic observations of freshly peeled outer epidermis of red ripe (RR) fruit. The white bodies within the cells are likely oil bodies. The width of the cutinized cell wall was measured between the two black arrowheads (m). Mean values (in µm) of 100 measures (10 measures on 10 sections) are given with SD. a, P < 0.01 (Student’s t test). F Macroscopic observations of cuticle permeability of mature green (MG) fruits after overnight soaking in 0.1% toluidine blue. G Water loss progression in RR fruit was measured over 40 d of postharvest storage at room temperature. (n = 5). H Fruit firmness of MG and RR fruits. Values are mean ± SD of 3 measures on 6 fruits. a, P < 0.01 (Student’s t test). I Confocal fluorescence microscopy of exocarp cell layers using Calcofluor and Bodipy dual staining showing reduced cuticle deposition and loss of conical epidermal cell shape in the shn2 fruit. Scale bars are indicated on each pictures. MG, mature green; RR, red ripe