Scanning Electron Microscope/Image Analyzer Determination of Dimensional Postharvest Changes in Fruit Cells

A scanning electron microscope was used to obtain pictures of apple and apricot cells in which the turgor had been modified to varying degrees. The cell configuration in the photos were evaluated, using an image analyzer, to detect physical changes in the cell walls. Moisture loss of 2% in apples had a significantly measurable effect on the ratio of cell length to breadth, and on cell roundness index. Configurational changes in the cell were also observed during storage, drying, rehydration and chemical treatment. This SEM/IA configurational analysis technique proved to be an effective way to detect physical changes.