Abstract: The seasonality of citrus fruits and their susceptibility to postharvest mold decay can cause huge economic losses to the citrus industry. The surface of citrus fruits is covered with a hydrophobic layer called the cuticle, which can prevent non-stomatal water loss, resist the invasion of pathogenic bacteria and control gas exchange, and plays an important role in postharvest storage. In this paper, the composition, structure and biosynthesis of the cuticle and its functions are reviewed, in order to provide a theoretical basis for basic research into the cuticle and the postharvest preservation of citrus fruits.

Key words: citrus fruits, cuticle, functions, postharvest, storage