JINAN, Jan. 4 (Xinhua) -- Waxiness significantly influences the luster of apples, and recent research by Chinese scientists has revealed the regulatory mechanism of nitrogen on the cuticular wax of apples. The findings suggest that an excessive application of nitrogen fertilizer inhibits wax accumulation, thereby affecting the "attractiveness" of apples.
Apples naturally develop a wax coating during their growth to help protect the fruit and retain moisture. A research team led by Li Yuanyuan, a professor at the Shandong Agricultural University, discovered a significant decrease in the wax content of both fruit and leaves in apple orchards where nitrogen fertilizer was excessively applied.
Subsequently, they selected and compared genetic materials from various apple samples collected from major apple-producing areas in Shandong, including the cities of Yantai, Zibo and Tai'an, and concluded that excessive nitrogen ultimately reduces wax accumulation on apples through a series of gene regulation pathways.
The findings also offer a theoretical basis for enhancing the defense of apples against biotic and abiotic stress, improving their color and luster, and extending shelf life, according to the researchers.
Iran helicopter crash that killed President Raisi could reverberate across the Middle East
China's experience with gender equality shared at UN
Experts call for halt to toxic water discharge
Revealed: Brit tourist, 19, subjected to sex attack in Majorca 'was gang
Cherry blossom in Yuyuantan Park, with the Central Television Tower as background
The world in photos: Feb 26 – March 3
European leaders hit back at Macron remark
Kosovo prepares a new draft law on renting prison cells to Denmark after the first proposal failed
Verona confirms Serie A status for another year after beating Salernitana
Multiple safety issues haunt Boeing