Variety traits

Vaccinium epicuticular wax

Vaccinium L.

An important morphological trait of Vaccinium fruit that determines their hydrophobicity, post-harvest shelf life, and blue coloration due to the microstructure of wax crystals. The intensity of the bloom is a genetically determined varietal characteristic.

In the reference 9 varieties crop Bilberry, where this is mentioned in the description.

The wax layer on the fruit surface creates a protective hydrophobic barrier that reduces transpiration and inhibits the development of fungal infections, thereby extending shelf life. The visual blue color of the fruit is determined not only by skin pigmentation but also by the specific microstructure of the wax crystals that reflect light.

In breeding and quality assessment of cultivars, both visual inspection and instrumental methods are used. Laboratory determination of wax mass is approximately 120 μg/cm² for natural berries, while mechanical damage to the bloom leads to a reduction in this value. Gloss sensors and deep learning methods for fruit image analysis are also used to assess bloom intensity.

General information about the subject — on the page Waxy bloom.

Sources8

Varieties of Bilberry mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.