Growth and Anatomical and Ultrastructural Studies of Nectarine Fruit Wall Development

Increase in fresh weight (FW) of `Armking' (early-maturing) and `Fantasia' (late-maturing) nectarines occurred in three stages. Duration of FW 1 growth stage was similar in both cultivars. Hardening of endocarp tissue was initiated during FW 2. Changes in plastid morphology and in abundance of endoplasmic reticulum were observed in cells during fruit development. Dissolution of cell walls was initiated earlier and was more severe in `Fantasia' than in `Armking' fruit. General cytological and ultrastructural features accompanying fruit development and possible mechanisms behind cell wall dissolution are discussed.