askvity

Can fruits have albinism?

Published in Plant Biology 1 min read

Yes, fruits can exhibit a condition analogous to albinism, resulting in a lack of normal pigmentation.

Fruits affected by this condition often appear bloated and develop white or pink areas on the surface. Internally, the pulp remains pale in color. Consequently, these fruits often have a poor flavor profile and tend to be excessively acidic. While the term "albinism" is typically associated with animals, the phenomenon of pigment loss can occur in plants, including fruits, due to genetic mutations or environmental factors. The term more accurately used in plant science is leucism, though the comparison to albinism can be useful for explanation.

Related Articles