STRUCTURE OF THE FRUIT OF THE RED RASPBERRY (RUBUS-IDAEUS L) IN RELATION TO ABSCISSION

Two modes of cell separation occur within raspberry abscission zones. In the cortex, fracture of the middle lamella, partial dissolution of the cell wall, and growth stresses in the abscission zone cause existing intercellular spaces to develop into large cavities. Cells remain intact during this process. In the vascular bundle, dissolution of the middle lamella and the resultant formation of cavities in the cell wall is followed by cell wall breakdown and cell disintegration. Intracellular membrane systems appear to be associated with areas of middle lamellar dissolution. © 1979, Annals of Botany Company.