Microstructure of Produce Degradation 557
(Figure 18.19c). The crushed layers of the epidermis, exocarp, and mesocarp might
have fungal growth but it is difficult to differentiate hyphae from the fibers of the
tomato tissue. In a less damaged area of the tomato away from the region of the soft
rot, the structure appears more normal with some slight deformities in the mesocarp
(Figure 18.19e). The inner mesocarp from the less damaged area of the aged tomato
shows minor disruption of tissue structure (Figure 18.19f).
FIGURE 18.19Scanning electron micrographs of aged tomato cross sections. (a) Fresh
tomato showing thin epidermis and exocarp just beneath and large parenchyma cells of the
mesocarp. (b) Aged sample in the location of soft rot showing the crushed outer layers and
damage to cell walls in the mesocarp layer. (c) Aged sample, close view of part of b showing
crushed outer layers and convoluted cell walls of the mesocarp. (d) Crushed outer layers. (e)
Aged sample from less damaged area showing underlying tissues under one of the bubbled
portions of skin with some distortion of mesocarp cell walls. (f) Aged sample showing inner
mesocarp tissue; cell walls are dehydrated, notable by the collapsed cell walls. Magnification
bars: a–d, 1 mm; e, 100 μm; f, 200 μm.