Major Components of Epicuticular Wax From Fruit of the Canadian Prairies: Saskatoon Berry ( Amelanchier alnifolia ), Canadian Dwarf Sour Cherry ( Prunus × kerrasis ), Haskap ( Lonicera caerulea ), and Red Twinberry ( Lonicera utahensis)

Surface wax of fruit plays an important role in post‐harvest quality but there are knowledge gaps concerning the wax composition of Canadian summer fruit. Waxes were extracted from ripe, freshly picked fruit of Saskatoon berry ( Amelanchier alnifolia ), Canadian dwarf sour cherry ( Prunus × kerrasis ), haskap ( Lonicera caerulea ), and red twinberry ( L. utahensis ) using a chloroform wash. Extracts were separated by GC for quantification by FID and identification by mass spectrometry. The major components of Saskatoon berry wax were nonacosan‐10‐ol and nonacosane, accounting for 39% and 18% of the wax, respectively. Additional components included free fatty acids, primary alcohols, aldehydes, and triterpenoids including α‐amyrin and ursolic acid. Canadian sour cherry wax was enriched in the pentacyclic triterpenoids (60%–63%) ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid, together with nonacosane (20%–23%). Two varieties of haskap were surveyed, differing in primary alcohol content, but sharing nonacosan‐10‐ol and nonacosan‐5,10,‐diol as their major components. Analysis of red twinberry as an additional member of the genus Lonicera , is the first reported for this species and revealed a wax rich in triterpenoids, illustrating diversity of composition within the genus. The findings of this pilot study will aid in obtaining a better understanding of the role of wax components in aspects such as berry shelf life and consumer appeal. Identifying chemical diversity of wax in berries from plants of the same or related species could be of value in breeding for improved varieties. Practical applications : Knowledge of surface wax composition will aid in understanding the function of components of the wax layer in controlling water loss and possible roles in biotic interactions such as with insects and with fungal and microbial pathogens. It also provides information on potential health promoting compounds associated with the fruit surface. Identification of wax diversity within haskap suggests strong potential for wax modification through breeding. The work adds significant new information to species where wax composition is either uncharacterized, or not well described. These plants have promise for widespread production in temperate regions.