Postharvest applications of n-butanol increase greasiness in apple skins by altering wax composition via effects on gene expression

•NBA treatment can accelerate the development of skin greasiness in apples.•The accumulations of the fluid wax constituents increase in NBA-treated fruit.•The expressions of some genes related to cuticular waxes can be promoted by NBA treatment.•NBA treatment does not affect fruit ripening and senescence.