Shomer, I., Institute of Technology and Storage of Agricultural Products, A.R.O, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel
Ben-Gera, I., Institute of Technology and Storage of Agricultural Products, A.R.O, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel
Ben-Shalom, N., Institute of Technology and Storage of Agricultural Products, A.R.O, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel

The epicuticular wax of juice sacs includes the common groups of constituents as in other plant waxes. The saponifiable matter, which includes the fatty acids, was found to constitute 33.8-42.3% of the total wax in the examined fruits; the unsaponifiable matter included hydrocarbons (38.4-47.8%), primary alcohols (6.6-17%), and secondary alcohols (7-8.6%). Among the hydrocarbons, the chain lengths of 23, 24, and 25 carbons were found to be the major constituents (∼50% or more of the total fraction). The hydrocarbon fraction between docosane and nonacosane contained branched isomers in addition to the linear structures. Some quantitative fluctuations were found in the hydrocarbons during the development and maturation of the fruits. The present findings verify the assumption that wax is the accumulated substance in the inter-juice-sac spaces. Thus, wax is the adhesive agent between the juice sacs and contributes to the ability of the segment to withstand disintegration. © 1980 American Chemical Society.